In retrospect, I was perhaps a little too dogmatic saying that value investing "does not work" in tech and retail.   Perhaps it is fairer to say that I am more inclined to "pay up" in these sectors, for something that really is a better mouse trap.  

That said, In retail, a steady pattern of weak same store sales scares the c&@p out of me....sometimes it is best to not try and figure out "why"...and just wait for another bus.