The last time I was in Filene's (or even Boston) was in 1969 for my high school graduation trip. I'll be going back next spring with my husband and my nephew. I'd love to take them shopping there, but is the basement still "for women only"?

It never was "for women only." There's a good-sized men's department. If my memory serves me, you're thinking of the sub-basement, which included only women's clothes. There are two levels to the basement.

The men's department in the basement is actually one of their real strengths. There are actual salespeople on the floor in men's who can be extremely helpful if they think you're serious about buying. They have lots of goodies in the back room (in particular tuxedos - a phenomenal selection) that they can search through if you're after something specific.

Emily, Filene's Basement is still alive and well, and I remember more than 2 floors of bargins, but that may have changed. We were there in June and got some great deals.

Jordan Marsh is now Macy's (across the street) and the area has changed a bit. There is even a mall going up on State St now so that will be good for the whole area.

I think Emily was referring to the penchant women had of taking off their cloths right in the middle of the isles to try something on, since there were no dressing rooms.

Have a fun time in Boston, it is a beautiful city.

tweedy

I was in the basement in March and have vowed to buy no new clothes until I return next year.Fill your boots!

Emily,

The Basement is not what it was in 1969 when there was only one store and the company was owned by Federated Department Stores. It was before the advent of outlet stores and before there was a Marshall's or Ross in almost every town.

In the "old days: of 1969 the goods were not divided up among several Basement locations and they really had some great things from high end spencialty and department stores.

Along with Sam Gerson, the thrill is gone.

I disagree with Dick. The Basement in the original Filene's is still a thrill. Last spring my niece found the perfect prom dress, and she thought it was marked down from $120 to $24! When she went to pay for it the register rang up $8.00!!! Now, that's where the thrill is. The newer Basements in the suburbs are a seperate corporation I believe, and are not run like the original (with unexpected markdowns, timed reductions, etc.). Emily, good luck at the original.

Ann,

I'm glad your niece got a bargain. However, anyone that goes back to Emily's last visit to the basement in 1969 remembers when the basement had less private label and more "great stuff" from better specialty and department stores. The really quality goods did not have to be dividied up among a number of stores. If you think it is good now, you should know that it was fabulous in 1969 when the Basement was still in its prime.

A little history...
In 1969 the Basement was then owned by Federated Department Stores...the same company that owned the upstairs store.

The Basement was sold to an independent company and after filing for bankruptcy was sold this year to Value City. All locations, including the remaining suburban stores, are owned and run by the same company.