Technology Performance Failures Give Retailers Sticker Shock

• Focus on customer experiences before, during and after the sale.
• Don't just collect data, understand how to use it.
• Know everything about your inventory - for your sake and your customers.
• Be available - everywhere and all the time.

According to the same WSJ story, 5.9 percent of overall retail activity in the third quarter, according to the Commerce Department, went to online sales. Success in these areas will help retailers to avoid surrendering the remaining 94.1 percent.