Filene's, Boston 1939

William Filene (1830-1901) emigrated from Prussia to Boston in 1848 and opened a series of small haberdashery shops before settling on a five-story building on Washington Street where he sold women’s clothing and accessories.

The year was 1890 and Mr Filene soon turned over the business to his two sons Edward and Lincoln.

Edward came up with the idea of opening a Bargain Basement store downstairs from the main department store to sell excess stock. Prices were marked down by 25% every 6 days and after 30 days, the goods were donated to charities. The store also had a money back guarantee, if not satisfied. 

This was not the only innovation. The two brothers instituted a minimum-wage scale for female employees, paid winter vacations, employee discounts, health clinics, insurance programs and credit unions. 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s son John, who worked as a stock boy in the Bargain Basement would have benefited from this largesse.

Filene’s became known for its bargains – in 1937, after men’s clothing was added to the range, the store held its first $11 Suit Sale. It’s first bridal sale in 1947 had women rushing towards the rails, launching the Running of the Brides phenomenon.

Soon Filene’s Basements were all over New England and New York.

Shoppers were certainly well fed in the main store’s restaurant, as you can see from this extensive menu for ‘luncheon’ and afternoon tea.

Maps were fashionable at the time, and this is a lovely and whimsical example that was given to customers as a souvenir.

Filene’s Basements grew into a chain of about 22 stores but the company - known as the Place Where Bargains Were Born – went out of business in 2011.