There was lots of talk about technology at this week's High Point Market. A real focus on who will be the winners and losers based on their shift in mindset from "I'm not going to get the payoff this year, so it isn't worth it" to "this will solve many of my current and future issues." Low cost beacons, customer relationship apps, freeing salespeople from the showroom and sending them out to chase sales via their iPads, decreasing inventory requirements by showcasing furniture in the showroom via interactive screens and the absolute need for an enterprise solution.

I'm still hearing, what feels like a self-limiting cliche, that the furniture industry is so far behind other industries it will take years to catch up. I'm having too many conversations with manufacturers and retailers who don't just "get it," they are excited about the key advantages technology means for their business. The tech exhibitors certainly didn't seem overrun by attendees, but there was a nice flow of traffic and questions. 

(Source: furnituretoday.com  Author: Dean Horowitz)