If a roadtrip sounds like fun, or you know someone in the Twin Cities I'd try the Room and Board Outlet. They always have great couches and chairs.

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/info_store_location.do?method=get&vm=.mn_outlet

When I lived in Mpls, I went frequently. My mum bought a couch and chair there and had them while visiting me and had them delivered to Boston. I think the total delivery fee was $150. For $600, chances are very good you could get a good couch (that retails for $1400) and have it delivered.

Many of my friends go every weekend (a quick pass through to check if something they want is in). If you know someone in the twin cities that is into design, chances are good they go too. Tell them what you are on the lookout for, and have them call you if they find it. Camera phones are ideal...if it is a scratch and dent item, you'll be able to examine the 'damage' (which is sometimes NOTHING...my husbands dresser had a slight scratch inside one of the drawers...60% off made it a score for us).

Selection varies each Saturday and Sunday. You can't count on the exact piece you want being there, but there are always great deals.

I have friends that have been patient, and bought tables and full sets of 8 matching chairs. They often find two dining chairs one week, another chair 3 weeks later, etc. The idea is even if you give up after a month or two, if you have gotten 4 of 8 chairs at 30% of retail, you can generally afford to pay full price for the other 4 chairs.

How about the Crate and Barrel outlet in Naperville? I was there this weekend and I swear that they had that couch.. It was probably $700-$800. Call them they will tell you if they have a particular piece in stock.

I picked up this when I was there-about 40% off retail.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1070&f=12767

Its worth going to!

Pier One has one very similar.

Does anyone have any experience buying furniture from Macys? I'm very interested in purchasing a piece.

Erica, if you are in Chicago, I got almost that exact same couch from Roys on Sheffield. It's an awesome couch, people are always asking me if I got it from Room and Board or Crate and Barrel. It cost me less than $600 WITH delivery.

I am actually around the Detroit Metro area. Chicago is the closest place for me, so I post my questions here...but I could easily drive to chicago on a weekday if I am off. :) If anyone sees a sofa similar to this online also, please let me know~ I would be very greatful. Maybe I could order it from Roys and have it delivered? Does Roys have a website?

No, Roy's is a local store. Sorry. If it helps, my sofa is a Klaussner brand, I know they have a website with other stores listed.

JuliaL, I purchase an arm chair from Macy's over a year ago and it is holding up very well. I have two cats who have claimed the chair as their own so I know it gets a lot of use. I found (at least at my store) the furniture sales people to be very friendly and helpful.

Chris,
I called the Naperville outlet and unfortunately they didn't have the sofa. That was a great idea though, thank you.

Janel,
The Macy's sofa is also very nice, I was trying to get away from the overstuffed cushions a bit but that isn't too bad and it is very similar in color. I'm going to keep my eye on it and see if it grows on me a little more. Thanks~

Alyrae,
I found the Roys website but didn't see a sofa similar in color and style to the cb one? Do you know what the sofa was called?

Siobhan - A roadtrip sounds wonderful, unfortunately I can't take one that far away until next year. :( Thank you for the suggestions though.

I have that same Margaret couch in a different color that I got last year at Macys. It is holding up well and I have a four year old, a messy hubby and a kitten. I also have a leather ottoman from Macys that is also very good quality. My Mom and Dad have furniture they purchased from them as well and have nothing but praises about the quality of their pieces.

It's called the Pierre. You won't find it in the color because Roy's does everything custom-order.

I think the Corona Sofa from Macy's looks really good -- I wish I would have seen it before we ordered the Eugene from R&B. It's on sale for $630.

I found these five:
The Revel, $800, in the right color.
The Corona, in green, which could go with the right orange, $630.
The Evan, also in a green, $500.
The Armitage, $530
The Paramount, $900