Filene's
From Salem Links and Lore
William Filene, of Filene's Basement fame, began his business enterprise in the city Salem. In 1856, William opened a store at 154 Essex St., in the Bowker Block. He sold trimmings, lace, veils and gloves until 1861 when he moved to Boston. He lived at 33 Brown St. with his wife Clara Ballin and his children. A few years later, he moved to Lynn and opened two shops on Market Street. Two of his sons, Edward and Lincoln would go on to be successful businessmen. It was Edward's idea to start the "bargain basement" where unsold goods would be sent and prices cut back the longer they went unsold.
See Also
- "Famous people make this city a subject of conversation"
Salem Evening News, Dec. 15, 1999, p.A3
