Decoration Day was established following the Civil War to honor fallen Union soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Officially proclaimed on May 30, 1868, by Gen. John A. Logan, it evolved as Memorial Day after WWI to honor American military personnel who died in the Great War. It became a federal holiday to honor all war dead on the last Monday in May in 1971.

In the post WWII years when unprecedented economic prosperity fueled the growth of the classic American family vacation, the commemoration evolved into something less somber. Memorial Day was recognized as the unofficial start of summer. It was during this era that stores and companies began linking Memorial Day with sales. All across America department stores decorated their windows in red, white, and blue, furniture showrooms buzzed with excitement, and mattress sales became as much a tradition as backyard barbecues and the first watermelon of the season.

Today, that tradition is still alive and well. For folks in northwestern Arizona, few places embody it better than MattressLand & Furniture in Kingman and Fort Mohave.

For generations, Memorial Day has been one of America’s premier shopping weekends, particularly for mattresses and home furnishings. Retail experts note that mattress manufacturers often introduce new models during summer. That makes Memorial Day the perfect time for retailers to clear inventory and offer substantial savings. But there’s another reason this tradition has endured. Memorial Day arrives just as Americans begin spending more time at home with family and friends. Summer gatherings, visiting relatives, weekend guests, movie nights, and backyard cookouts all have people looking around the house thinking, “Maybe it’s time for a little facelift.”

And honestly, after a long winter few things feel better than refreshing your living space and finally replacing that mattress that has seen one too many restless nights. That’s where MattressLand shines.

More Than Mattresses

While the name certainly tells part of the story, MattressLand has evolved into much more than a mattress store. Their Kingman and Fort Mohave locations have become one-stop destinations for home furnishings, offering everything needed to create a comfortable, welcoming home environment. From living room sets and recliners to bedroom furniture, adjustable bases, dining room collections, and décor accents, our showroom floors are designed to inspire ideas for every room in the house.

Customers appreciate our knowledgeable staff, delivery service, financing options, and wide range of products available for every budget and style. That matters because shopping for a mattress isn’t exactly like grabbing a loaf of bread at the grocery store.

A quality mattress is an investment in health, comfort, and well-being. Studies continue to show that better sleep contributes to improved mood, increased productivity, and even stronger immune health. And during summer, when families are traveling, entertaining, and staying active, quality sleep becomes even more important.

The Memorial Day Mattress Tradition

There’s a reason mattress sales dominate Memorial Day advertising year after year. Industry analysts consistently rank Memorial Day among the best times of the year to purchase mattresses and home furnishings. Many retailers offer deep discounts before seasonal price increases arrive. Consumers on Reddit and other online forums also note that Memorial Day sales often include bundled accessories and closeout pricing on premium models. In other words, Memorial Day shopping isn’t simply about saving money. It’s about maximizing value while upgrading comfort and quality of life.

And that’s especially important today as more people rethink how they use and enjoy their homes. Bedrooms have become retreats at the end of a workday. Living rooms have become entertainment hubs. Guest rooms are no longer afterthoughts. Home is again becoming the center of family life.

A Summer Reset for Your Home

There’s something deeply satisfying about giving your home a fresh start before summer arrives in full force. Maybe it’s a new mattress that finally delivers the restful sleep you deserve. Perhaps it’s replacing a worn-out sofa that survived one too many football seasons. Or maybe it’s simply adding a few new furnishings that make your home feel renewed and inviting.

The advantages of shopping locally at places like MattressLand & Furniture are many. One is that you’re not wandering through a generic warehouse hoping for the best. You’re working with people who understand the community, understand comfort, and understand that your home is a personal sanctuary. Simply put, the hometown touch still matters. In an age where many purchases are reduced to clicking a button and waiting for a cardboard box to appear on the porch, there’s something refreshing about walking into a showroom. This is where you can try a mattress for yourself, compare styles, ask questions, and get honest guidance from experienced professionals.

That type of old-fashioned customer service is always appreciated and never goes out of style. So as Memorial Day ushers in another Arizona summer, maybe this is the year to do more than fire up the grill and dust off the patio furniture. Maybe it’s time to invest in better sleep, a more comfortable home, and a fresh start for the season ahead.

Because summer adventures are a whole lot more enjoyable after a great night’s sleep.

Written by Jim Hinckley’s America