Mr. Babcock, 45 years old, has been chairman and chief executive of Filene's, a Boston-based retail chain that is a subsidiary of Federated Department Stores Inc.

The Boston-based chain of discount fashion stores started work last week on a 33,000-square-foot store with two selling floors, at 2222 Broadway, on the corner of 79th Street.

However, others, like Stop & Shop, a Boston-based chain, say they will place their faith in Federal authorities.

A Map This outpost of the Boston-based chain is not actually in a basement, but three flights up, with a tremendous view of Union Sq.

Like the 10 other outlets in this Boston-based chain, the Smithhaven Mall spot bills itself as "a restaurant first; a brew house second."

Domain is headed by Judy George, 62, who founded the Boston-based chain 18 years ago, and will be handling the American distribution of the Aga.

Originally built for theatre, one of three theaters commissioned in Boston by Eben Dyer Jordan, son of the founder of Jordan Marsh, a Boston-based chain of department stores.

Filene's Basement, the Boston-based chain, is known for low prices and quick turnover of stock.

The Boston-based chain of supermarkets opened its East Side store two years ago.

But in 1990, it sold Au Bon Pain, another Boston-based chain of eating places, the exclusive right to sell its coffee in Au Bon Pain stores around the country.