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Wear a distinctive chapter of Boston shopping history with this Filene's Basement polo. The store opened beneath the Filene's department store at Downtown Crossing in 1909 and became known for its bargain merchandise and automatic markdowns, which lowered prices on a set schedule. From its Boston roots, the company expanded into an off-price chain and later returned as an online retailer in 2015. A considered pick for department-store history fans, New England shoppers, and collectors of regional retail stories.
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 Men's Sport Polo Shirt
$39.99
Sale price
$39.99
Regular price
Wear a distinctive chapter of Boston shopping history with this Filene's Basement polo. The store opened beneath the Filene's department store at Downtown Crossing in 1909 and became known for its bargain merchandise and automatic markdowns, which lowered prices on a set schedule. From its Boston roots, the company expanded into an off-price chain and later returned as an online retailer in 2015. A considered pick for department-store history fans, New England shoppers, and collectors of regional retail stories.
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.
| S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | |
| Width, in | 20.25 | 21.75 | 23.75 | 24.75 | 26.25 | 28.25 |
| Length, in | 29.00 | 30.00 | 31.00 | 32.00 | 33.00 | 33.50 |
| Sleeve Length (from center back), in | 18.50 | 19.25 | 20.00 | 20.75 | 21.50 | 22.25 |
Product features
- 100% polyester, extra-light (110 g/m²) for fast drying and shape retention
- Moisture-wicking fabric keeps skin cool during activity
- Double-needle stitched seams and necktape for long-lasting comfort
- 3-button placket with dyed-to-match rubber buttons and flat knit lapel collar
- Direct-to-film printed chest logo; regular fit, printed neck label
Care instructions
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not iron
- Do not dryclean