Filene's Basement Car Coaster
2.6'' × 2.6" / 1pc
$10.99
Sale price
$10.99
Regular price
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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Bring a small reminder of Boston's bargain-shopping history along on the road. Filene's Basement opened beneath the downtown Filene's department store in 1909, becoming known for off-price merchandise and its unusual automatic markdown system. Shoppers could return to discover lower prices as unsold goods moved through scheduled reductions. This car coaster honors that memorable retail tradition and the brand's journey from a Downtown Crossing landmark to a name revived online, appealing to collectors and former customers alike.
Filene's Basement began in 1909 beneath the Filene's department store at Downtown Crossing in Boston. Edward A. Filene had proposed selling surplus, overstock, and closeout merchandise there; the store was first called Filene's Automatic Bargain Basement. Its low-technology automatic markdown system became a distinctive feature: merchandise was reduced at set intervals if it remained unsold. The Basement and Filene's Department Store were initially owned by Federated Department Stores. After Federated's acquisition by Campeau, the Basement was spun off as a privately held company headquartered in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Filene's was acquired by May Department Stores in 1988, while the Basement pursued expansion and filed for Chapter 11 protection in 1999, later resuming growth. Value City Department Stores acquired it in 2000; the company subsequently operated under Retail Ventures. The Boston flagship closed in 2007 for redevelopment. Amid the 2009 economic crisis, Retail Ventures sold the chain; after bankruptcy proceedings, Syms and Vornado won the asset auction. Syms later filed for bankruptcy, and the last stores closed on December 29, 2011. Trinity Place Holdings acquired rights to the name in 2012, and the brand returned as an online retailer in fall 2015.
Filene's Basement Car Coaster
$10.99
Sale price
$10.99
Regular price
Bring a small reminder of Boston's bargain-shopping history along on the road. Filene's Basement opened beneath the downtown Filene's department store in 1909, becoming known for off-price merchandise and its unusual automatic markdown system. Shoppers could return to discover lower prices as unsold goods moved through scheduled reductions. This car coaster honors that memorable retail tradition and the brand's journey from a Downtown Crossing landmark to a name revived online, appealing to collectors and former customers alike.
Filene's Basement began in 1909 beneath the Filene's department store at Downtown Crossing in Boston. Edward A. Filene had proposed selling surplus, overstock, and closeout merchandise there; the store was first called Filene's Automatic Bargain Basement. Its low-technology automatic markdown system became a distinctive feature: merchandise was reduced at set intervals if it remained unsold. The Basement and Filene's Department Store were initially owned by Federated Department Stores. After Federated's acquisition by Campeau, the Basement was spun off as a privately held company headquartered in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Filene's was acquired by May Department Stores in 1988, while the Basement pursued expansion and filed for Chapter 11 protection in 1999, later resuming growth. Value City Department Stores acquired it in 2000; the company subsequently operated under Retail Ventures. The Boston flagship closed in 2007 for redevelopment. Amid the 2009 economic crisis, Retail Ventures sold the chain; after bankruptcy proceedings, Syms and Vornado won the asset auction. Syms later filed for bankruptcy, and the last stores closed on December 29, 2011. Trinity Place Holdings acquired rights to the name in 2012, and the brand returned as an online retailer in fall 2015.
| 2.6'' × 2.6" | |
| Width, in | 2.60 |
| Height, in | 2.60 |
| Thickness, in | 0.30 |
Product features
- Made from 100% soapstone — naturally absorbent
- Available in 1, 2, or 4-piece sets with the same print on each
- One-sided full-color print with a matte finish
- 2.6″ × 2.6″ size fits most vehicle drink holders; notch for easy removal
- Removable “Made in China” sticker on the bottom
Care instructions
- Gently wipe the dirt or dust off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth