Filene's: The Cher of Boston department stores?
Remember how Cher's "farewell" tour seemed to go on for years? Just when we though Filene's was dead (the Chestnut Hill Filene's is now all boarded up, with a large "Emergency Exit Only" stencilled above the door notched into the plywood), we see Filene's ads on TV, acting all la-di-da and showing bright, cheery people urging you to get down to Filene's right away for something (summer clothes, I think) as if it were still a real department store.
In any case, Rhea Becker said her farewell to the downtown Filene's yesterday, in what she expects will be her last visit to the store at which she'd bought so much 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 in the basement. ...
Note: The Basement was spun off as a separate company years ago, which is why it stays open.
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downtown Filene's
Only the first floor of the downtown Filene's is still open, and even part of that is blocked off. The only reason it remains open is that they are moving merchandise here from stores that are already closed. It's pretty sad-looking.
Leominster Still Open
The Leominster Filenes was one of the ones slated to stay open. However, I would have expected the signage, etc. to be transitioned by now. The thing that floored me last week is they were still trying to get people to sign up for Filene's charge cards. What the?
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From the brains behind http://www.bigdumptruck.com
Filene's charge cards
When I was downtown yesterday, I noticed a sign at Macy's across the street saying they would accept Filene's stuff like gift certificates. But Filene's charge cards? I don't know.
The downtown Filene's is really sad and deserted.
Filene's
The Filene's web site says that "Filene's is now part of the Macy's family" and says that you can use a Filene's card at Macy's. It also has an FAQ addressing some of the other issues people raised here. For instance, it says that Filene's stores will start selling Macy's merchandise in May (i.e., now) and will change their names to Macy's in September.
Stock up now!
they were still trying to get people to sign up for Filene's charge cards.
Collector's items!
Filene's History
October of 1947 the USCG Bibb rescued the Bermuda Sky Queen when she ditched mid atlantic during a very bad storm. All on board the aircraft were saved and when they pulled into Boston Harbor none of the passengers had clothes. Filene's opened their doors and outfitted everyone. My mother Agnes Logan and sister Wilma Logan were passengers on the plane and were recipients of Filene's kindness. To Filene's we send our deepest gratitude and appreciation, Nancy Loria