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Adventures in bargain shopping

Ambulance Chaser

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I have had my eye on this Borrelli topcoat ever since it appeared at my local Filene's Basement (Connecticut Avenue). It is double-faced cashmere, quarter lined, with patch pockets and spalla camicia shoulders. Absolutely beautiful. Filene's price was $1899.99, which was way out of my price range. The topcoat was then moved to the 30% discount rack. Still too expensive. A few weeks ago, the discount became 40% off. That was still too much until a salesman informed me that I could use a 20% discount coupon on top of the 40%, which would result in a total of 52% off, bringing the cost to under four figures. I thought a lot about pulling the trigger, but then remembered that I had overheard a salesman saying that the 40% off discount would go through November 16. I received another 20% off coupon for use from November 15 through 21, which clinched my decision to wait to see if a higher discount would kick in.

This past Saturday, I headed to Filene's bright and early in the morning armed with my 20% off coupons. Sure enough, the discount had moved from 40% to 50% off. If a salesman allowed me to use a coupon on top of the discount, I could get the coat for 60% off, which would be slightly over $800, including tax. Pretty reasonable price, I thought. I approached two young salesmen on the floor and asked them whether I could stack a 20% off coupon on top of the 50% off discount. One of them replied that I couldn't. Just as well, I thought. I really don't need the coat anyways.

The salesman then said, "We'll take 50% off the price, then take 50% off that price, which is a better discount." Um, what? The salesman was stating that the items on the discount rack were effectively 75% off! I had to verify that I understood what he said. I plucked a shirt off the rack, pointed to the price tag, and asked, "So you'll take half off this price, and then take half off again?

"Yep."

Not believing my good fortune, I quickly tried on the coat again. It fit like a dream, requiring almost no tailoring. I brought the coat to the counter (making sure I got the same salesmen to check me out), and asked again, "So you'll take half off this price and then half off again?" The salesman affirmed, and rung up the coat. Total cost: $475 before tax, just over $500 with tax. Or approximately 89% off the original listed retail price of $4300.
icon_gu_b_slayer[1].gif


If anyone's interested, the coat is also available in a size Eu52. I can't guarantee you'll get the same discount as I did, however.
tounge.gif
 

maxnharry

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Wow!!! Would love to see it. Went to FB in Mazza this weekend and was totally underwhelmed. Will have to get to CT Ave.
 

A Canuker

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Thats just a mean story. Not even in my wildest dreams would that happen in Calgary.....I think I need a road trip. Nice find and buy. For those of us that can get to the shop, do you remember the salesman's name?
 

scnupe7

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Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser
I have had my eye on this Borrelli topcoat ever since it appeared at my local Filene's Basement (Connecticut Avenue). It is double-faced cashmere, quarter lined, with patch pockets and spalla camicia shoulders. Absolutely beautiful. Filene's price was $1899.99, which was way out of my price range. The topcoat was then moved to the 30% discount rack. Still too expensive. A few weeks ago, the discount became 40% off. That was still too much until a salesman informed me that I could use a 20% discount coupon on top of the 40%, which would result in a total of 52% off, bringing the cost to under four figures. I thought a lot about pulling the trigger, but then remembered that I had overheard a salesman saying that the 40% off discount would go through November 16. I received another 20% off coupon for use from November 15 through 21, which clinched my decision to wait to see if a higher discount would kick in.

This past Saturday, I headed to Filene's bright and early in the morning armed with my 20% off coupons. Sure enough, the discount had moved from 40% to 50% off. If a salesman allowed me to use a coupon on top of the discount, I could get the coat for 60% off, which would be slightly over $800, including tax. Pretty reasonable price, I thought. I approached two young salesmen on the floor and asked them whether I could stack a 20% off coupon on top of the 50% off discount. One of them replied that I couldn't. Just as well, I thought. I really don't need the coat anyways.

The salesman then said, "We'll take 50% off the price, then take 50% off that price, which is a better discount." Um, what? The salesman was stating that the items on the discount rack were effectively 75% off! I had to verify that I understood what he said. I plucked a shirt off the rack, pointed to the price tag, and asked, "So you'll take half off this price, and then take half off again?

"Yep."

Not believing my good fortune, I quickly tried on the coat again. It fit like a dream, requiring almost no tailoring. I brought the coat to the counter (making sure I got the same salesmen to check me out), and asked again, "So you'll take half off this price and then half off again?" The salesman affirmed, and rung up the coat. Total cost: $475 before tax, just over $500 with tax. Or approximately 89% off the original listed retail price of $4300.
icon_gu_b_slayer[1].gif


If anyone's interested, the coat is also available in a size Eu52. I can't guarantee you'll get the same discount as I did, however.
tounge.gif


Thanks for the call.
 

Ambulance Chaser

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Originally Posted by DocHolliday
That's spectacular. Congrats. Any chance of a pic of the coat?
Ian's pics are pretty representative. I'll take pics if I ever get around to getting a digital camera.

Originally Posted by A Canuker
For those of us that can get to the shop, do you remember the salesman's name?
Didn't get his name; a really young dude.

Originally Posted by scnupe7
Thanks for the call.
Sorry, man. Didn't have my cell on me at the time and I got so excited I wasn't thinking straight.
 

rdawson808

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Wow. Oh wow. Nice bargain.

b
 

RJman

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Ooh. All those aportnoy smileys make my eyes hurt.

Good work, AC.
 

The_Foxx

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wow-- congrats on your killer find! yes, shopthefinest has nice photos, but we can't appreciate the shoulders of the coat without seeing a photo as worn. post some pix of that baby, please!!
 

spence

Senior Member
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Jan 27, 2007
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Wow, I'm jealous as I've been looking for something similar for some time.

Much better than the coupon manipulation they run at Off 5th's. The 30% off coupon really gives you an additional 0-5%, but they did get you into the store now didn't they
plain.gif


-spence
 

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