Each SYMS and Filene's Basement store offered a broad range of merchandise from nationally recognized designer or brand-name labels for men, women, and children.

[citation needed] On November 2, 2011, SYMS and Filene's Basement collectively filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

[5] But the acquisition could not help the struggling company succeed in a poor economy and faced with increased competition from large department stores.

[6] On November 2, 2011, SYMS and Filene's Basement collectively filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with all stores to close by the end of the year.

[6] Sy Syms (1926–2009),[7] who was born Seymour Merinsky, was a former sports broadcaster and regularly appeared in the company's television and radio commercials.

In 1983, when SYMS Corp went public, she was named president and a year later, added the role of chief operating officer.