Farewell, Filene’s!
Today I bid farewell to a venerable, 125-year-old Boston institution: Filene’s department store. Filene’s was purchased last year by Federated Department Stores, which is dismantling the Filene’s chain. I visited Filene’s yesterday for the last time and bought a few things on sale.
When I moved to Boston in 1976 as a college freshman, I discovered Filene’s. Over the past 30 years, I’ve filled my clothes closet and dresser drawers with items purchased at Filene’s. I have dodged the perfume ladies who douse you as you rush through Cosmetics. I’ve found amazing bargains in the famous ‘Automatic Markdown’ basement. I even worked at Filene’s for a few short hours as a ‘red jacket’ security guard. (I was bored to tears and quit without even picking up my paycheck.)
As a Boston history buff, I’m always sad when another Boston institution disappears. Farewell, Filene’s.
May 25th, 2006 at 10:40 am
FYI, The Basement will remain open and in its current location. It’s a separate company. I believe it’s owned by the same group that owns The Limited/Express.
May 29th, 2006 at 7:45 am
Thanks for the info. Filene’s Basement lives on!
December 31st, 2006 at 11:01 am
I worked there, and made a site about it
http://www.farewellfilenes.homestead.com
peace