i think designers and manufactures produce as per the price the store that will carry the finished product is willing to pay. so if joann, for example, is only willing to pay a certain price, but is able to offer nation-wide availability, the designer is wiling to lower it's standards and make up in quantity what it gives up in quality. many people will not notice. that way, the designer keeps his/her name out front, and the chain carries the famous name. win, win. except for the knowledgeable customer.
sadly, there is no telling when this will happen. the store begins with good quality and then switches over when you're accustomed to finding the name brand there. as i said, most people don't notice.