Interesting article, and thanks for sharing it. When I shop, I don't look at price tags right away. I look the item over, check the fabric, quality of construction, etc., and then decide on a price I would pay for it. If what I've decided is close to the price tag, I might try it on.
When I was younger (and not yet married), I only shopped department stores (we're talking 1980's). If anyone remembers the old Strawbridge and Clothier in Phila., that was my favorite. After getting married, I started buying lesser quality, cheaper clothing, but have since started returning to my department store-loving roots. I'll probably still shop F21 for a few trendy pieces (or maybe not after I finish the article) but I'm now more interested in quality of garment construction than price point.