Line Change Breaks Down GQ Shops: The Best of the Department Stores: Macy's

In a previous post, I detailed how to score a deal using Bing.com/cashback at Macy's to combine 2 deals in one and score a solid 35-40% off brands you love, plus free shipping on purchases over $99. In this post I wanted to take time to show you skeptics some examples that Macy's can yield some quality product. And at these prices, you'd be crazy not to pick up something that could fit into your wardrobe. 

I will work off GQ's picks from their GQ Shops: The Best of the Department Stores coverage of Macy's. Hopefully, whether you agree or disagree with the GQ staff's picks, you can see how brand name buys don't have to be premium priced buys. If an item wasn't available online, I chose a similar item available now at Macys.com. And remember, all of these get the best savings by combining the cash back with the Macy's site deal (if applicable) and spending $99 or more to get free shipping. Observe:

Polo Ralph Lauren reindeer sweater: $185 (not available)

Alternate: Polo Ralph Lauren Sweater, Shawl Collar Cardigan: Orig: $265.00 Was: $184.99 Now: $137.99 + free shipping + 20% cash back = $110.39 (total savings = 58%).

Tommy Hilfiger striped scarf: $48 (not available)

Alternate:  Polo Ralph Lauren Scarf, Striped Cotton: Orig: $50 + free shipping + 20% cash back = $40

American Rag plaid shirt: $29.98 (not available)

Alternate:  Sovereign Code Western Shirt: Orig: $58.00 Now: $29.99 + free shipping + 20% coupon + 20% cash back= $19.19 (67% savings)

 

Timberland Earthkeeper boots: Orig: $160 Now: 139.99 + 15% off + free shipping + 20% cash back = $95.19 (60% savings)

 

  

Country Gentleman tweed cap: $30 (not available) 

Alternative: Timberland Hat, Herringbone Military Cap: Orig: $55.00 Now: $46.75 + 20% off + free shipping + 20% cash back = $29.90 (46% savings)

Club Room argyle V-neck sweater: Was: $60 Now: $29.99 + 20% off + free shipping + 20% cash back = $23.99 (60% savings)

 

Nautica pocket squares: $34 (not available in colors)

 

Alternative: Nautica Handkerchief Set, 5 Piece Cotton , White: Orig: $34.00 Was: $25.50 Now: $22.95  + free shipping + 20% cash back = $18.36 (46% savings)

 

North Face puffer jacket: $199 (not available) 

Alternative: Kenneth Cole Reaction Jacket, Quilted Wool Timber Coat: Reg. $295.00 Was $204.99 Now: $147.50 + free shipping + 20% cashback = $118.00 (60% savings)

 

Basically, while you cannot get all the exact GQ swag "item for item" online, you can make some pretty healthy substitutes. All told, I put all my substitute choices (8 in all) in my shopping cart and at checkout it would cost me a grand total of:

Merchandise Total: $605.16
Free Shipping: -$24.95
15-20% off clothing: -$21.35
15% of shoes: -$21.00
Total:      $562.81

Bing cash back: $112.56

GRAND TOTAL: $450.25

If you consider my "starting price" the latest online price of each item, (i.e., count just sale prices the items started at), then the promo codes, free shipping and Bing cash back saved me 26%. If you took the "Original Prices" of everything ($977), then added all the sales, promo's and cash back, then I "really" saved 54% off retail. 

Bottom Line: That's a lot of quality stuff for under $500.