Hi Donc,
Unfortunately … local companies and even larger companies can go out of business just as easily as online companies and it’s always disappointing to their customers and of course can leave people “stuck” if they have warranty issues. It wouldn’t have made any difference if you had purchased from their local store or online. At one time they were listed as one of the fastest growing companies in America in 2006 but of course this is more about marketing than anything else.
Even for companies that stay in business … most warranty claims are denied anyway because of the exclusions that are part of most mattress warranties (see post #174 here).
One of the founders of The Merrick Group is Philip Krim which was the parent company of Tranquility Mattress, Angelbeds, Dream Number Beds, and the Sleep Better Store) is now one of the co-founders of a new startup company called Casper Mattress.
According to the information here … Merrick Group is still active (NOTE ADDED LATER: it appears that they are no longer active) even though they aren’t doing business any longer so you may want to check with the Texas Secretary of State for any contact information or to find out who the current principles of the company may be to see if you have any recourse.
What is the issue you are having with your mattress?
Phoenix