Michael's, the arts and crafts retailer, has learned the value of investing in superior information technology according to this brief profile:

The turnaround story which began in April 1996 with the hiring of new CEO Michael Rouleau continues to gain steam. His oversight into how to run a large-sized retailer in regards to systems development and efficiencies of merchandise distribution are just taking hold and should continue to benefit improved store productivity and operating profit margins.

The article mentions automatic replenishment of inventory as one of the secrets of Michael's success. Notice that the investments in information technology began 5 years earlier. The market will reward the patient retailer who makes long-term investment decisions just as surely as it will punish those that do not.