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Share a little Boston retail history with the next generation in this Filene's Basement Infant Bodysuit. The Basement began in 1909 beneath the Filene's department store at Downtown Crossing, inspired by Edward A. Filene's plan to sell surplus and closeout merchandise. Its automatic markdowns became a defining feature, drawing bargain shoppers back as prices dropped at set intervals. This piece celebrates a distinctive New England name and a department-store story cherished by collectors and longtime Boston shoppers.
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 Infant Bodysuit
$19.99
Sale price
$19.99
Regular price
Share a little Boston retail history with the next generation in this Filene's Basement Infant Bodysuit. The Basement began in 1909 beneath the Filene's department store at Downtown Crossing, inspired by Edward A. Filene's plan to sell surplus and closeout merchandise. Its automatic markdowns became a defining feature, drawing bargain shoppers back as prices dropped at set intervals. This piece celebrates a distinctive New England name and a department-store story cherished by collectors and longtime Boston shoppers.
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.
| NB (0-3M) | 6M | 12M | 18M | 24M | |
| Width, in | 7.50 | 9.00 | 10.00 | 11.00 | 12.00 |
| Length, in | 10.75 | 11.76 | 12.75 | 13.75 | 14.75 |
| Sleeve length, in | 2.52 | 2.76 | 2.99 | 3.23 | 3.50 |
Product features
- 100% combed ringspun cotton for solid colors (lightweight 4.5 oz/yd²)
- Side seams for better shape retention
- Ribbed knit binding for soft, flexible neck and sleeve openings
- Matching plastic crotch snaps for easy diaper changes
- Tear-away label and REACH compliant materials
Care instructions
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Do not dry clean
- Do not iron