After nearly 40 years, Angelo’s Leather and Fur is preparing to shut its doors. The 12,500-square-foot store, located in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States has been a staple for leather and fur enthusiasts since it opened in 1988. However, its founder, Angelo Koutras, has decided it’s time to retire as he approaches his 80th birthday.
Angelo Koutras, a proud Greek immigrant, started Angelo’s Leather and Fur shortly after moving to the Chicago Southland. Over the years, he has been the face of the business, working tirelessly almost every day to ensure its success.
“I’ve been here every day what do you want from me?” Koutras joked while reflecting on his decades of dedication to the shop. The store, which once bustled with shoppers browsing an impressive selection of leather and fur jackets, hats, and accessories, now features signs reading “going out of business” and “everything must go below cost.”
Angelo has been supported by his son, Alexi Koutras, who shared that the store has been a consistent part of the Oak Lawn community for decades. With inventory priced below its original cost, the Koutras family anticipates the store may remain partially open for up to two years as they work to sell the remaining items.
“We have got everything cashmere, shearling, leathers, furs you name it,” said Alexi, emphasizing the variety of products and services the store has offered, including cleaning, alterations, storage, and repairs.
Born in Greece, Angelo began his career as a fur salesman at just 18 years old. His journey to the United States began as a visit to a friend, but it soon turned into a new chapter of his life.
With experience gained from working under another furrier, Angelo decided to start his own business, bringing his passion and expertise to Oak Lawn.
The store’s success over the years is a testament to Angelo’s hard work and determination. Despite fluctuating demand for fur and leather fashion, Angelo’s Leather and Fur remained resilient, carving out a niche in the community.
While Angelo looks forward to retirement, spending time with family, and enjoying a well-deserved break, his son Alexi is exploring new business possibilities. The family is also searching for vendors to take over the iconic retail space, which Angelo transformed over the years.
“Furs aren’t what they used to be back in the day,” Alexi admitted. “It’s just time.”
As Angelo prepares to step away, the Koutras family reflects on the lasting impact the store has had on Oak Lawn and its residents. Angelo’s Leather and Fur has not only been a place to shop but also a symbol of dedication, community, and perseverance.
Though the store’s closing marks the end of an era, the legacy of Angelo Koutras’ hard work and passion will continue to inspire. For those who have cherished the store over the years, it’s a bittersweet farewell to a beloved local institution.
The original story was published by chicagotribune.com