By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Linen Obsession, the sleep expert known for its high quality linen, has opened its first retail stand-alone store in the UAE. The grand opening welcomed VIP customers, interior designers and well-known influencers, and featured workshops on Top Tips to Improve Sleep Quality helping everyone to supercharge their sleep, and How to Dress Your Bed Like an Interior Designer.
First established in 2008, Linen Obsession has been selling a wide range of bedding and home linens through shop-inside-shop branded areas inside famous department stores for the past for 10 years, plus wholesale to other retailers. It is known for its expert team, breadth and depth of product range which includes sought-after brands, from the finest Egyptian cotton to washable silk in US, UK and GCC sizes.
Pamela Lilburne Opie, Founder and CEO of Linen Obsession, welcomed guests with an introduction to the new store concept, followed by a presentation revealing the secret to getting a better night’s sleep. “I am thrilled to have so many of our supporters here today for our big opening. Quality sleep is crucial for our physical and mental wellbeing, and I know many people struggle to get a full eight hours. We need to create the best possible conditions for a good night’s sleep, which is not simply about going to bed early. All parents know about the value of a bedtime routine to set up good sleep for children, and I think it is time we recognise that this need doesn’t go away as we get older.”
The five secrets to a better night’s sleep
- Understanding the need to create a sleep routine
This routine will become a signal to the body to relax and detach from the busy day. It can include essential oils or sprays as well as physical steps to destress and relax.
- The importance of natural or organic products
Know your sleep priority – what is important for you? The climate in the GCC makes it more important than ever to ensure people choose breathable fabrics. Cotton is the best fibre for coolness, whilst silk is a great choice for skin and hair. The best duvet filling is feather and down, but there are other great alternatives, and they should be in a weight that suits each person’s preferred sleeping style. Some people like cool AC all year round, while others prefer to sleep with the window open in the winter. Their bedding should reflect this.
3. Temperature Regulation
Most people sleep better at a cooler temperature, but the AC rarely remains at the right temperature all night long. Many people wake up due to overheating and remove the covers, only to wake again from the cold. This destroys deep sleep patterns. There are several technologically advanced solutions for better temperature regulation in pillows, duvets, pillow and mattress covers which can all help to create an ideal environment for long, healthy sleep.
4. Avoid allergies!
Anyone waking up feeling more tired than when they went to bed should check if they have created an allergy and dust mite free zone. Innovative and simple solutions exist for those affected by allergies, and Linen Obsession can provide expert advice.
5. Check your foundations
The right supportive mattress and pillows are crucial for a good night’s sleep. Mattresses need to be turned regularly to extend their lifespan. Pillows should be selected by the individual based upon how they sleep, as a side sleeper will need a deeper option than a front or back sleeper. People who prioritise back care should look for a contour pillow for better back alignment, whilst there are some wonderful hybrid options available in feather and down pillows which offer both a supportive inner core and a soft outer down layer.
The Store
The store has been designed with a central space for welcoming customers to sit and discuss their requirements with the knowledgeable team, while a cosy nook allows children to watch videos while their parents shop. Shelves are arranged by product type and colour rather than brand, making it simple for customers to compare like for like, at the price point they prefer. For example all white or cream sheet options are displayed together.
The linen and bedding display has been complimented by the introduction of quality wellness products, all designed to help their customers to create an ideal sanctuary and beautiful environment for sleeping.
Pamela said “I am so excited to launch this new concept dedicated to sleep. The store showcases many wonderful, authentic brands, many with a great history. Lovely linen is one of life’s essential luxuries. All of our wellness products are very natural, many are organic or vegan and have been designed by passionate people creating products for a purpose, for example using aromatherapy to improve sleep, sourcing local ingredients or using sustainable materials.
“Over the years, Linen Obsession has developed a loyal client base who have told us exactly what they’re looking for – and what they can’t find in the UAE market. This store will allow us to showcase our vast range of products and to host regular customer workshops to educate our customers. We aim to continue to introduce innovative sleep solutions based on science.”
The store is truly multi-channel – which means that all products can be purchased in the dedicated digital shopping area in store or via their website, which showcases the full array of Linen Obsession’s vast collection of linen, bedding and wellness products.
