It’s a sad time in Boston history, Filene’s is no more.  Now you probably think I am nuts because Filene’s has been out of business for over a year now, and maybe I am a little nutty, but this is why.  Yesterday when we were in Boston, we exited the T to see a sad, gaping hole where the Filene’s building was.  So sad.  Even worse, the part of the building still standing is now occupied by Macy’s, talking about spitting on the grave of a loved one. (I know we really weren’t talking about anything cemetery-related, but please keep up!)

While poor Mr. Filene is turning over in his grave, and thousands of us mourning the awesome bargains and clothes that don’t fall apart after one wash, Macy’s is there with it’s hoity toity expensive brands. 

In my eyes, Macy’s appeals to two crowds, old rich women and hoochy teenage girls.  Just think, when was the last time you heard a 15yo boy say to his friends, “Dude, let’s hit up Macy’s, I need a knew magenta Lacoste shirt to go with my plaid manpris!”? I’m guessing, and to some extent hoping, never.  And let’s be honest, a department store that sells it’s own branded bottled water is a little pretentious, no?

Now, I’m sure if I was Lovey Howell (Gilligan’s Island….anyone?) I would love whatever my personal slave….uh…I mean shopper picked out, bought and delivered to me while I was having high tea at my townhome.  But let’s face it, most of us are size 14 women or men who are built nothing like Tyson Beckford, and definitely not the type of shopper that could fill their closets with Macy’s wear. 

 While Filene’s may be gone, Filene’s Jr. aka Filene’s Basement, allows us to sleep soundly on bargain sheets and clearance pillows with the knowledge that the automatic markdown is here to stay.  At least for now.