"Seems like some kind of laundering operation" — Mattress Firm goes viral as netizens throw suspicion on the company

Mattress Firm, the well-known American mattress retailer, is at the center of a viral internet debate after social media users began speculating about the company’s operations.

On December 2, 2024, users on X sparked a viral discussion by sharing pictures and videos of mattress company locations, accompanied by speculative commentary.

Many suggested that the retailer’s operations might one day be exposed for fraudulent activity, citing suspicions over the apparent lack of customer foot traffic despite the company’s ability to secure prime retail locations —

"How does Mattress Firm stay in business when no one ever goes in the store? Seems like some kind of laundering operation to me!!" one commented.

Numerous users on X echoed similar sentiments, with some alleging that mattress retailers could be involved in money laundering. Several commenters called for the United States Department of Justice to investigate the company, further amplifying the online discourse —

"Before I die, I am 100% convinced this company will be exposed for fraud. How are they always in prime locations and you NEVER see a customer," a user on X commented.

"Mattress Firm is money laundry company... DoJ must investigate this," another commented.

"In this pic in my town there are 3 Mattress stores right next to each other... Never any customers in their parking lot, but all have been open there for years," one more commented.

However, many users on X shared different views, noting positive experiences with Mattress Firm. One user mentioned a salesperson claiming annual sales of over $1 million, suggesting the company's success is legitimate —

"I have bought all 4 mattresses that are currently in my house from them 🤷 we were not the only people in the store either. Not sure what to tell ya," a netizen on X commented.

"I asked the store manager about the “money laundering” rumors. He said his store has gross sales of $100-125k/month (well over $1m/yr)," another commented.

"I totally believe they sell 50k mattresses a year in a town of 1500 people. Very believable," a third commented.

As of now, the American retailer Mattress Firm has not responded to the allegations and remarks circulating online.

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Exploring claims against Mattress Firm and its operations:

The American mattress retailer (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

The allegations of money laundering circulating online are not new for Mattress Firm. According to Snopes, the American mattress retailer has been the subject of similar speculation for many years, mainly due to the unusually high concentration of stores located near one another in certain areas.

According to a 2018 report by Business Insider, the firm is recognized as the largest specialty mattress retailer in the United States, with an estimated 3,272 stores nationwide.

However, amid speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding alleged money laundering in 2018, the company announced plans to close nearly 700 stores across the U.S. as part of efforts to prevent bankruptcy. Today, the retailer operates over 2,300 stores across all 50 states, according to Mattress Firm.

"The process we have initiated today will allow us to strengthen our balance sheet and accelerate the optimization of our store portfolio.

Leading up to the holiday shopping season, we will exit up to 700 stores in certain markets where we have too many locations in close proximity to each other," CEO Steve Stagner said in 2018.

Regarding the money laundering allegations, PSU Vanguard reported that a spokesperson for the firm denied all claims, describing them as part of a "nationwide bribery" and "fraud scheme."

To date, no official statements or findings from legal authorities have implicated Mattress Firm in any illicit activities.