You had me on your side at first. As a former retail employee (but not of Aeropostale), I firmly believe sale signs should be as clear as possible, so consumers don't make the same mistake you did of assuming something is a certain price when it's not.

However, you lost me at the request for a "hefty coupon." While I understand your reasons for just accepting the price, it was still your choice to do so. No, I certainly wouldn't want to explain to my child that we don't have the money to spend on something they want, but sometimes the job of being a parent is not an easy one.