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Filene's Basement To Close For Good
ResumeFilene's Basement is closing its doors for good. This week, the Boston retail institution declared bankruptcy for the third time, and will close its 21 remaining stores by the beginning of next year.
The store began in 1909 with a brilliant idea. When Filene's Department Store couldn't move merchandise, they moved it downstairs to the basement and marked down prices, massively. The original Downtown Crossing store closed in 2007.
But, Before TJ Maxx, before Marshall's, Filene's Basement was the place where high-and low-brow met in the common cause of finding a great bargain.
Where else could you rummage elbow-to-elbow through messy bins for discounted designer labels? Or mob the store for a fairytale wedding dress in the annual "Running of the Brides"?
Men loved Filene's too. Governor Michael Dukakis was a frequent shopper. Mayor Tom Menino, too.
And, one of the best dressed men I know - my husband - who won my heart, in part, through wearing some fabulous Italian suits he found in the Basement.
You have one last chance to dig through the bins. Filene's Basement plans to hold liquidation sales during the holiday season, before shuttering for good in January.
This segment aired on November 4, 2011.