sweet american dreams

Ann-Britt Paulsen has spent the past twenty years ensuring that her customers get a good night’s sleep. The Duxiana bedding brand has been around since 1926 and their philosophy is to produce the most comfortable and technologically advanced beds on the market. Deep sleep can only be achieved through a full understanding of the needs of the human body.

As owner of three Duxiana bedding franchises in New Jersey, Ann-Britt Paulsen sat down to have a chat with us about the business.

How did you get into the luxury bedding business?
Ann-Britt: I was born and raised in Sweden and the DUX BED is a Swedish brand. I moved to the U.S. in 1983. I started out working for DUX Corporate for five years, opening new stores around the country before opening up my first store in Ridgewood, New Jersey in 1990 with my husband.

What’s the key to your business success?
Ann-Britt: The DUX Bed is a great product and I think I have been successful in coming up with ideas that get that message out. My marketing skills have always been my strong point. In today’s retail environment, creating and nurturing relationships is key.

How do you balance your career and personal life?
Ann-Britt: It takes a great deal of organization. As a mother of two daughters who were born after I opened our first store in Ridgewood, I’ve had to be there for my children and run a company at the same time. Now that my daughters are older, they are more capable of taking care of themselves. They need me in a different capacity as we prepare for the next stage of their lives…college. Also having strong employees that I can count on, has allowed me more flexibility in my work schedule over the last 17 years, but as a business owner in this competitive climate you cannot take your eye off the business for a minute or you will lose your edge. So, I am constantly balancing my time at home and work to give both the attention they need.

What is unique about Duxiana?
Ann-Britt: Our customers are extremely important to us. Without their continued patronage I wouldn’t be in business for over 20 years. That being said, we pride ourselves in providing our customers with the attention they deserve. We go the extra mile to make sure they are satisfied and feel the same way about our products as we do. The DUX Bed is designed to give you a better quality of sleep. The construction of the spring system supports your body in a more natural position allowing you to sleep more deeply and wake up more rested. We are selling a product that promotes well-being. Everyone knows how important a good night’s sleep is. More than ever, the DUX Bed is filling an important need for our customers.

What inspires you?
Ann-Britt: What really inspires me is setting a good example for my daughters. In this economy, I have been able to balance my family life and three retail stores. They have seen success and a few setbacks along the way. From this I push forward and try to learn and grow. Staying positive in these times is a life lesson for my daughters for their future.

www.duxiana.com

Red Bank
37 Broad Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-450-9011

Ridgewood
63 East Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-670-4488

Summit
354 Springfield Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-8200