Filene's Basement and Syms to open up joint store

By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff

Bargain icon Filene's Basement and its new owner, Syms, are teaming up to open a joint store in the current Syms location on Route One in Norwood.

Filene's Basement through the years

The 33,000 square foot shop, opening March 18, aims to feature the best selection from each discounter under one roof. Filene's Basement will stock one half with women's fashions and accessories, men's basics, shirts, ties, sportswear, outerwear, along with home textiles and luggage.

Syms' merchandise will be in the remaining half, including a "Tailored & Tux" department that will carry a wide selection of men's suits in all sizes, plus sports coats, dress pants, overcoats, raincoats, and tuxedos. A tailor will offer on-site service for hemming dress pants, and a two-day turnaround for cuffs and waist alterations. Syms will also offer children's apparel along with men's and women's shoes.

"Filene's Basement has long been the go-to store for designer and brand name bargains on women's fashions," Syms chief executive Marcy Syms said in a statement. "And Syms is best known for its wide assortment of brand-name tailored clothing for men. It made perfect sense to combine the strengths of both stores to offer customers the best shopping experience."

The first co-branded store with Filene's Basement and Syms opened last fall in Fairfield, Connecticut. The company plans to expand this concept to other Syms locations, including Hartford, Connecticut next month and Westbury, Long Island, Westchester, New York and Paramus, New Jersey in the fall.