Opened in 1908 by William Filene.
I personally love Filene's Basement because I get the greatest deals on the nicest, high-class items! This Filene's Basement in particular is one of the most organized and nice ones that I've ever been to, as well as the workers being very kind and helpful, even offering me the family and friends discount (despite not knowing me) because I was buying so much.
Closed for renovations until scheduled re-opening the spring of 2009.
The original Filene’s Basement is in the basement of the old Filene’s building, naturally. It’s as good as you’ve heard; prices run the gamut from plain-old markdowns to rock-bottom, although the quality of the merchandise often suffers from overhadling.
This isn’t a place for young children or for anyone who isn’t a die-hard shopper: Aisles can be narrow and shoppers downright rude, even to cute kids.
TIP: A second Filene’s Basement is at 497 Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay—same low prices, more upscale digs!