7 Stores That Anyone Who Grew Up In Boston Will Undoubtedly Remember

William Filene launched his first department store – Filene’s - in 1890. His son, Edward Filene, was the one who decided to start selling the shop’s excess stock in the basement, and the concept of "bargain basement" pricing was born. For decades, Bostonians lined up outside the Basement in anticipation of sales. Customers were able to plan shopping trips around these sales because of the innovative "automatic markdown" system.

The store is perhaps most famous for its wedding gown sales that turned shopping into an extreme sport, complete with (unofficial) color-coordinated teams and complex strategies! Filene’s Basement closed its doors in 2011, although an online branch of the store remains in business.

In case the name doesn’t ring a bell, Bradlees was a popular discount department store, primarily in New England. It first opened in 1958 and shut down in 2001, after several years of struggling to stay afloat. Once owned by the same company as Stop and Shop, it was common to see the two stores sharing the same shopping plaza. Who remembers Mrs. B?

Sure, e-readers are space-savers, but they lack that soothing smell that large numbers of old books produce. If you’d like to support a physical independent bookstore, check out Brattle Book Shop, which has been supplying books to readers since 1825! Perhaps you’ve already visited this iconic Boston store and browsed through its vast selection of used and antiquarian books. Here’s hoping it sticks around for another few centuries.

Address: 9 West Street, Boston, MA 02111

Jordan Marsh and Company was actually the first department store in the country, and it launched right here in Boston during the 19th century. It went on to become a name known around the world and supported a strong cult following. Did you know that the main Boston store used to have a soda fountain in the basement? Yum!

Sadly, that unique building was knocked down during the 1970s. In the mid-1990s, remaining Jordan Marsh branches were converted into Macy’s stores.

Which Jordan Marsh did you like best? The one in Braintree, Peabody, or perhaps Framingham?

As soon as you open the door of Salumeria Italiana, the scent of delicious food wafts out to greet you. For close to 50 years, this has been the perfect spot to pick up ingredients for an authentic Italian meal or some gourmet items to make your next cooking adventure that much more impressive. If you've ever stopped by this North End store, the memory of freshly baked bread along with the high quality meat and cheese selection will leave you drooling.

Address: 151 Richmond Street, Boston, MA 02109

Despite its association with Boston, Kennedy’s has nothing to do with the political Kennedy family. It was actually a store that initially specialized in boy's and men's attire before expanding to offer women's clothing in the 1930s. For the next few decades, Kennedy’s thrived, but the company began to flounder in the 1980s, closing its stores, including the main location at the intersection of Summer and Hawley Streets.

Phillips Candy House has been making chocolate addicts smile since 1925 with its handmade, sweet creations. Originally located in Belmont, the shop moved to Dorchester in the 1950s and there’s now a second branch in Braintree as well. Oprah has raved about Phillips’ signature turtles and the company has also earned loyal customers due to the quality of its fudge.

Did you visit Phillips Candy House as a kid? How about more recently? If you’re craving divine goodies with a side of nostalgia, definitely check this place out.

Address: 818 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester