Biography of william filene

In 1890, Mr. Filene retired and turned over the store’s operation to his two sons, Edward and Lincoln. The store was renamed William Filene's Son Company, "the World's Largest Specialty Store."

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The Evolution of an Empire

The two men instituted a minimum-wage scale for female employees, paid winter vacations, employee discounts, health clinics, insurance programs and credit unions. 

In 1909, Filene's Basement was opened, also known as "The Bargain Basement" where prices were marked down 25% every 6 days and after 30 days, the good were donated to charities.

The store also had a money back guarantee, if not satisfied. 

In 1912, Filene's held a grand opening of the flagship store in what is now called Downtown Crossing on the corner of Washington and Summer Streets. 

Between 1914-1920, the amount of real estate that the