M&N Mattress Shop stands for two things: Mark and Neelam, who own the shop; and Matthew and Natasha, their children.
On Saturday, Mark and Neelam Nagra celebrated
14 years of business in Parksville at their shop along East Island Highway.
Mark is from Campbell River and Neelam is from Port Alberni. The couple met in college and bought their first business, M&N, in 2000. Since then, they have gone on to raise both their children, now 20 and 22 in this community, and create a storefront that’s been a centerpiece in Parksville for more than a decade.
“When we first bought the business it was really exciting,” said Mark. “Having a new business is like having a new baby, you get to grow with it.”
Now 14 years later, he said it’s all about the customers.
“It’s about talking with repeat customers, getting hugs, going to home shows and helping people,” he said. “And our testimonials are through the roof.”
Mark said he’s been in sales since 1987, but the health component of mattresses was an attractive feature so he and Neelam decided to specialize in the sleep industry.
“We have products that increase oxygen, blood flow and sleep,” he said. “Which are all really important.”
Neelam said the store specializes in healthy sleep products and innovative sleep technology.
She said 99 per cent of the products they carry are made in Canada, many in British Columbia — such as the Ironman Recovery Mattress from Vancouver.
She said supporting the local economy is an important part of the store’s mandate.
Just last week in Victoria, Mark and Neelam received an A-plus rating, the highest you can achieve, at the 2014 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Award gala.
“That was the proudest moment in the last 14 years,” said Mark, about how it felt to receive the prestigious business rating. Neelam agreed, saying it felt “awesome.”
According to the BBB, ratings are determined based on a business’ type, time in business, complaint volume, background information and understanding of business.
“We’ve only had three complaints in the last three years and they’ve all been resolved,” said Mark. “So I’d say that’s pretty good.”
M&N Mattress Shop is located at 1-291 East Island Highway in Parksville. The store is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact 250-248-7133 or visit www.parksvillemattress.com.
