Clothing Markups Spark a Put-Down

It’s so unnerving to read articles such as “Investor Bid to Rescue Debt-Burdened Macy’s Fails” (Jan. 25).

It’s not too surprising that the blame is being foisted on the consumer. But why the consumer? Why not put the blame where it truly belongs? Why not face who should be the obvious culprit, the designers of apparel?

In the face of our economic “slowdown,” instead of lowering prices or at least holding the prices--which at best have become astronomical with each new season--each new line introduced is priced higher and higher.

Why don’t the designers of clothes for men, women and children get off their need-to-get-richer pedestal and accept a more realistic profit?

It’s high time the consumer gets a break. The economy would certainly benefit.

VALERIE BROWN, Newport Beach