Myriad welcomes retailers at 13th annual conference
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 30, 2007
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Using technology as a means of thriving in the midst of increasing change was at the heart of the 13th annual Myriad users conference here.
The conference's theme, "Transitions," helped to underscore that for the more than 100 furniture dealers attending the event organized by the retail software provider at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort.
In opening remarks to the group, which included a mix of independent dealers as well as La-Z-Boy, Thomasville and Bassett Furniture Direct retailers, Myriad co-founder Carolyn Crowley said technology is changing some fields differently than others.
"Theoretically, a school teacher from 100 years ago could walk into a modern classroom and still teach," she said. "By comparison, changes in medical technology, for example, have been so pervasive that a surgeon from a century ago could not walk into a modern operating room and be effective."
In walking the group through many of the enhancements the company has made to its products in the past 12 months, Myriad co-founder Russell Higgins told attendees they should now think of a store's Web site as another showroom. He said the Myriad platform lets stores upload product information, download customer information, provide customer service and more.
Crowley and Higgins promised more upgrades and enhancements were ahead. During the next 12 months, Myriad will transition toward more data integration with freight carriers, they noted.
"Clearly, the best is yet to come," Higgins said.
