Filene's Basement Will Return as an Online Store

Filene's Basement was the original off-price department store, but despite our growing love for deals and discounts, the chain shut down in 2011. However, starting on September 24, the store will get a second life as an online-only retailer.

According to The Boston Globe, the new virtual iteration of Filene's "will allow customers to set preferences and name desired prices." It's unclear whether that means the site will allow shoppers to "make an offer" for goods or just set a price preference for filtering, but digital haggling could be an interesting twist.

The site will also play into the culture of Filene's, allowing customers to "hide" certain items while shopping, just like Basement fans did in brick-and-mortar stores if they couldn't commit to a purchase right away. Hiding online though is just as risky, since apparently competing shoppers can still steal your finds.

The site launches next week, and it looks as though it'll fall in line with Gilt, MyHabit, and more in requiring a login to see the deals.

Readers, are you excited for Filene's to return online? Did you ever make a brag-worthy purchase there? Has anyone ever participated in the Running of the Brides? Share your stories in the comments below!