I had to ask "why can't I buy good quality substantial underwear these days?!" As I wandered in to Victoria Secrets (next to Bath and Body Works - original destination) I figured save some time and go get some underwear. NOT.
I have shopped VS for 30 years. I can't believe it! For that reason alone I should not stop in. My experience represents a case in point. (It could as well be JC Penny's if you'd prefer the visuals.)
The fabric was "nothingness" and I'm not saying that in a good way. There was nothing to it. (NO. Not that way, either!) Thirty years ago the fabrics were thick and when you ran it between your fingers there was something to feel. And, when you washed it, it held up, over time. I still have some of it... (I will probably never wear in this lifetime), but it certainly points out the quality differences. I walk into another store Kohl's and I walk out because I am bombarded by cheap, one season, thin, synthetic yucky options.
Where did the quality go? I decided after much thought, that my Mother's Capitalism was that of opportunity for buyers and sellers. Remember that "value added" thing? Glasses at gas station, blue chip stamps, thicker cottons, heavier fabrics, beautiful cashmere's? Those were all post war scenarios of how merchandisers and retailers sought your business by advertising MORE QUALITY for the money.
What is the difference today? Clearly, MORE CHEAP goods for the money. All capitalists can do these days is offer you quantity. Quality vs. Quantity. Because the consumer can be lured with that concept. Capitalists are fighting for survival and consumers are fighting for survival. And, everyone is forgetting to keep their eye on the ball. The solution is not cheaper and cheaper goods. If we support this type of system we are corrupting capitalism and our own quality of life. My advice is to rethink our values. Stand with some integrity for QUALITY. Open our mouthes and tell the market what we REALLY want and stand with some integrity behind quality products. You don't NEED EVERYTHING. Like Cheryl Crow says the point is not to have what you want, but to "want what you have." I asked myself yesterday...I can't buy good underwear anymore. Is this really the price of freedom and the Free Market System?! Compare that to the Communism of thirty years ago, where they used to have minimal variety and crappy selections....that makes me really stop and think!
