by Kate Fitzsimmons
When you enter one of downtown San Rafael’s newest pop-up showrooms, McRoskey Mattress Co.’s nearly 120-year history is apparent.
The brick walls feature posters of hand craftsmanship and staffers explain how their products are made. For a San Francisco company like McRoskey, the pop-up concept proved to be a bold step and a chance to try new things.
“Community is important to us and San Rafael is such a welcoming place,” said CEO Robin McRoskey Azevedo. “We’ve made connections through walk-ins, as well as being more convenient to our long-time Marin, Sonoma and Napa customers. We’ve learned that many people don’t like to travel to San Francisco if they can find what they need here. Reducing the barriers for current and potential customers informed our recent decision to negotiate a longer lease.”
McRoskey Mattress is a founding member of Bay Area Made, supporting craftspeople and artisans. On Thursday, it hosted a designer luncheon featuring a bed decked out in Rough Linen’s Orkney bedding made of traditionally woven linen fabric. Rough Linen’s owner, Tricia Rose, visited the showroom, mingled with guests and discussed the benefits of handmade products.
After opening in the fall at 1340 Fourth St. (former site of Radio Shack), McRoskey staff noticed the nonprofit Art Works Downtown across the street, and the company has now joined in Art Works’ 2nd Friday Art Walks that showcase the works of local artists.
At its San Francisco factory McRoskey offers individual and group tours, hosting everyone from people who want to see how a mattress is made to school groups, including college students interested in learning about purchasing, inventory and marketing. The company also has a store in Palo Alto.
Pop in for the next Art Walk on Feb. 9, featuring the music of Swing Set. To learn more, visit www.mcroskeysf.com/blog/news.