Filene's Basement

Profile

With its wide aisles and neat merchandise shelves, this legendary Boston-based discount department store chain is decidedly more pleasing to the eye than counterparts like Century 21 and Loehmann’s—though diehard bargain-hunters would undoubtedly brave less-well-maintained displays for the thrill of finding serious savings of up to 70% on the current season’s designer threads. The multi-floor emporium houses a notable collection of American and European brands for men, women, and kids, in addition to accessories and gifts; find enviable deals on name-brand casualwear, as well as lesser-known knock-off labels offering quality basics. Better yet, there are no crazed Prada-hogs here, only civilized seniors and stroller-pushing moms and dads. — Carolyn Murnick