New England's most famous discount retailer opened in 1908 (it's now a subsidiary of the Midwestern chain Value City). Its celebrated automatic markdowns apply only at this location, the original. With the rise of competing chains, deals worth bragging about have become harder to find than they once were, but just as rewarding when you do. I happen to love that sort of thing, but if you don't, you might find that battling the no-holds-barred crowds isn't worth the payoff -- the aisles are pretty wild at busy times.

The automatic-markdown policy (25% off the already-discounted price after 2 weeks on the selling floor, up to 75% after 4 weeks) applies to everything from lingerie to overcoats. The most ego-boosting quarries are designer and other top-quality clothes and shoes at a fraction of their original prices. Try to beat the lunchtime crowds, and check the papers for early opening times during special sales -- notably the $249 wedding-dress blowout, at least twice a year.