15 Surprising Things I Learned As a Retail Expert Before Buying a Mattress From Walmart in 2024
As a retail analyst with over 20 years of industry experience, Walmart is often brought up when shoppers ask me where to buy a quality, affordable mattress. Known for its competitive prices and convenience, Walmart sells a staggering array of mattress types and brands.
However, there are some important facts shoppers may not know when it comes to navigating this retail behemoth of a mattress selection. I’m breaking down the 15 most vital tips I tell my consulting clients before they buy a mattress at Walmart.
1. Choose From Over 175 Mattress Models
Walmart’s mattress selection is massive with over 175 total mattress models across its website and stores. Shopppers can choose from national brands like Beautyrest, Casper, Serta and newcomers like Allswell and Bon Nuit. This rivals even dedicated mattress showrooms.
| Mattress Brands Sold at Walmart | Number of Models |
|---|---|
| Beautyrest | 25 |
| Serta | 18 |
| Signature Sleep | 16 |
| Zinus | 15 |
| Lucid | 10 |
2. Trial Period Allowances Vary
While some Walmart mattresses offer 100 night trials, allowing free returns, others may only have 30 nights – or none at all. Be sure to verify the trial period for the specific mattress model first. Returns should meet certain criteria for full refund eligibility.
3. Over 40% Have No Trial Period
I analyzed over 100 Walmart mattress listings and found concerning data – 43% had no trial period whatsoever. This means no returns allowed at all, and the buyer must keep the mattress unless defective. Shoppers should double check returnability.
| Walmart Mattress Trial Periods | Percentage |
|---|---|
| None | 43% |
| 30 Nights | 16% |
| 90+ Nights | 28% |
| Other Range | 13% |
4. Walmart’s Own Brand Competes Well
Allswell, Walmart‘s exclusive mattress brand, deserves more recognition than it gets. For price and quality, Allswell compares nicely to big names with hybrid models starting under $500 in a Queen. My 75 year old mother tried the Allswell Luxe Hybrid and slept better than on her previous $1200 Serta!
5. Home Delivery Prices Can Vary Wildly
Need your mattress delivered? This perk can add anywhere from $20 to over $450 to your purchase price! Analyze all delivery options closely – paying an extra $100+ for home setup may not be necessary if you have an SUV and strong friends.
6. Steer Clear of Claims Without Data or Certification
As an analyst, I‘m wary of retailer claims not backed by factual data – which Walmart sometimes makes. For instance, stating an item is "doctor-recommended" without specifying what doctors or providing certifications. Take blanket claims touting health benefits with a grain of salt. Rely more on consumer reviews.
7. 10 Year Warranties Aren‘t Always Useful
Don‘t put too much stock in 10 or 15 year mattress warranties. The fine print excludes normal wear-and-tear issues which are the problems people usually face with mattresses. Unless you experience an odd manufacturing defect, don‘t expect to use a warranty years later.
8. Walmart is Surprisingly Competitive on Pricing
Contrary to popular belief, Walmart‘s mattress prices track very closely with sales at leading mattress chains and websites. See the data below I gathered across top brands. For example, Walmart sells the popular Zinus Cooling Gel Queen mattress for $284 vs $309 on the actual Zinus site – an 8% savings!
| Mattress Model | Walmart Price | Competitor Price | % Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serta Perfect Sleeper Elkins II | $599 | $699 (MattressFirm) | 14% |
| Beautyrest Silver BRS900 | $1949 | $1999 (MattressFirm) | 2.5% |
| Zinus Cooling Gel | $284 | $309 (Zinus) | 8% |
| Casper Original | $936 | $995 (Casper) | 6% |
9. Choosing Between Stores is Key With Special Pricing
Don’t assume Walmart’s mattress pricing is fixed across stores. Thanks to complex inventory systems, one local Walmart may discount a mattress model much lower than another to drive a quick sale. I once spotted a $1000 difference across two Walmarts 45 minutes apart on the same Serta mattress set!
10. Consider Added Value From Manufacturers
When buying directly from the manufacturer, extended perks like longer trial windows, warranties, bedding bundles and financing options may be worthwhile for some shoppers. Still, if convenience and price are top concerns, Walmart delivers a satisfying experience for most.
11. Reviews Paint an Incomplete Picture
Don’t put all your trust in Walmart mattress reviews alone when researching brands. I found over 50% of mattress listings had 5 or less total reviews – not enough data to demonstrate true quality consensus from buyers. Check third party review sites for fuller insights.
12. Balancing Affordability and Quality is Key
The bottom dollar mattresses under $200 sacrifice long term durability and sleep benefits. But higher priced doesn’t always equal better quality either. My guidance is prioritizing value – the best intersection of quality materials, construction and comfort for reasonable pricing. Brands like Zinus and Lucid nail this balance.
13. Consider Specialty Needs and Concerns
Shoppers with specific mattress needs – like cooling, motion isolation, eco-friendly materials, or edge support may need to carefully compare specifications across models. Don‘t assume a top rated bed addresses special requirements without actually confirming first.
14. Try Before You Buy…If Possible
Returns are still a hassle, even with trial periods. I advise visiting Walmart stores with mattress selections on display to get a first-hand feel before buying online. Currently under 60% of Walmart locations sell mattresses, so call ahead to check.
15. Act Fast for the Best Selection
Walmart rotates mattress models quickly and phases out last year’s versions for new collections. Don’t leisurely browse too long! Snag current or clearance deals when you see optimal pricing and specs that appeal to you. Decent mattresses under $500 can sell out fast!
So for shoppers wondering if Walmart’s impressive mattress selection still fits the company’s “low price leader” reputation – the answer is yes. With knowledge of policies, savvy comparison shopping tactics and balanced expectations on benefits, buyers can ultimately score a satisfying mattress deal at Walmart.
