Between inflation and predicting/creating fashion trends, it seems par for the course for these stores to be trying to grow their loyal client base into a more upscale trendy boutique. The loyal will stay loyal and they'll cultivate new clients from the Bebe-esque stores. Higher profits and perceived value due to their marketing. Most people don't complain about poor quality-- particularly the demographic purchasing this type of clothing. I encourage everyone to keep writing letters.
Wet Seal was doing well for years as a reasonably priced retailer of trendy teen clothing and then completely lost their demo when they went from trendy hip clothing to the short lived trendy peasant clothing. They lost money and brand equity; which they have never fully recovered from.
I can tell I'm getting old when I'm walking past stores I would've shopped only a few years ago and I'm wondering if this is where prostitutes shop.
