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Published on January 30, 2008

Under the budget, it will also launch an e-commerce website to serve shoppers worldwide.

Parker & Morgan is a US furniture manufacturer whose products include the wall-bed that carries its name.

Last April, the company invested Bt30 million in opening a concept store at Bangkok's Siam Discovery Centre to introduce therapy pillows to locals.

At present, there are more than 3,000 Parker & Morgan members in Thailand.

Chief executive David Robinson said Parker & Morgan would open two standalone shops in Los Angeles and another in Sydney.

Meanwhile, its website aims to service online shoppers, particularly in the US.

The expansion is due to be completed at the end of July.

Robinson said the company planned to boost its overseas business after its first concept store in Thailand proved to be successful.

It showed the model shop was able to attract consumers. The firm will design shops in the US and Australia using a similar concept.

The design of the shop is based on three main pillars: authentic sleep-enhancing products, professional sleep consultants and service.

"In my view, Parker & Morgan was successful in Thailand last year because of a good retail environment, packaging, product design and good staff members," said Robinson.

"Our sales staff spend time to find out from clients what their sleeping problems are. They then select pillows that meet their requirements. Customers know us by word of mouth.

"I can now say Parker & Morgan is the only brand that provides therapy pillows and wellness products that help people sleep well."

Half of its customers are locals while 25 per cent are expatriates. The rest are visiting foreigners.

The company expects its customer base to reach 4,000 this April. It will organise workshops monthly to create awareness.

Robinson said Parker & Morgan also provided products to three hotels.

The company is now negotiating with a few hospitals and other hotels as well as dealing with major department

stores to provide therapy pillows. Its products are also found at shops across Southeast Asia.

Parker & Morgan has 120 different types of pillow to serve various sleeping disorders. It plans to launch two new products in March.

All its pillows are made in Thailand. The company also provides aromatherapy spa products such as shampoo, conditioners, liquid soap, hand cream and herbal tea.

Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation