This is a bizarre thread- half the respondents are talking about metric and half are talking about fabric prices. My head hurts.
Metric is a sensible system, easy to work with. If you gave it a go, you might be surprised! Of course I understand both- you don't have to be Einstein, but it would be easier, cheaper for international trade (same packaging sizes everywhere), and easier for customers to compare prices, if everyone used the same system. As someone else has already pointed out, every country in the world has already ditched imperial, except the US, one African country with close ties to the US, and one tyrannical country in Asia where they have their opposition leader under house arrest- good company!
A very interesting book on how Europe adopted metric is "The Measure of All Things"- an intriguing read.
http://www.amazon.com/Measure-All-Th.../dp/0743216768