Like any major city, Boston has its share
of the big stores, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Saks, and even
Sears, but that's not what makes shopping here more appealing than hitting
the suburban malls. By being a "walkable city", Boston's best shopping
areas are all within a short stroll. Here's our suggestions for a day
hitting the shops. Downtown Crossing
When asked by out of town guests where best
to start a day's shopping, I steer them toward Downtown Crossing. This
shopping mecca offers Filenes, Macy's, Marshalls, a Gap outlet, Lechters,
a Levi's store, Tellos, several restaurants, numerous shoe/sneaker stores
and the ever famous Filene's Basement.
Coming up Summer street from the Government
Ctr. T-stop, swing into Starbucks for a quick jolt of caffeine. You'll
need it for this quick moving, busy area of the city. Start your shopping
journey at Marshalls Department Store, located just up from Border's Bookstore.
Here you'll find a clean, well organized and ever changing selection of
off-priced designer clothing, accessories and home goods.
If you can avoid the 9West store across the
intersection, cross over to the Filene's building and head down into Filene's
Basement. This bastion of bargain shopping is a must see for all out-of-town
visitors. After spending a few moments in the 'Basement, you'll understand
why it's best to tackle it in the morning. A. It's easier to fight the
maddening crowd early when you have all your strength. B. Because of the
nature of the store, an incredible bargain found in the morning will probably
not be there in the afternoon.
After you've found the bargains of a lifetime
at Marshalls and Filene's Basement, or freaked out from the crowd, head
upstairs to Filene's or Macy's for a more sedate atmosphere and a wider
choice of styles. Macy's even has a few bargain racks that rival Filene's
Basement.
At this point, most people need a break,
but you diehards can head over to Tello's for some inexpensive, youthful
and funky clothing. Though most of their selection tends to feel cheap
and their men's department is extremely limited, you're almost always
able to find one or two cool things at great prices. (like $10:00 or less.)
