After almost 40 years in Oak Lawn, Angelo’s Leather and Fur intends to close its 12,500-square-foot store, cleaner and storage facility.
As Angelo Koutras’ 80th birthday approaches, he says he is ready to retire from the business he started after moving to the Chicago Southland from Greece.
“I’m old!” Koutras exclaimed as he paced around the shop at 5209 W. 95th St., on Thursday. “I’ve been here every day — what do you want from me?”
Koutras has worked in the store that carries his name just about every day since it first opened, said his son, Alexi. He’s been a consistent face in the community since 1988, operating a store where shoppers can find up to 2,000 jackets, hats and other clothing made of genuine leather and animal fur.
As one walks into the large retail and service center, which sits between a brewery and a health and fitness gym, the windows where mannequins perch now read, “going out of business” and “everything must go below cost.”
The store closing was announced on Facebook toward the beginning of this year, listing all remaining inventory below the price at which they were purchased by Angelo himself. Therefore, the store may remain at least partially open for up to two more years, depending on how fast everything sells, Alexi Koutras said.
“We do all types of service — cleaning, alterations, storage, repairs and, of course, sales,” Koutras said. “And we have everything — cashmere, shearling, leathers, furs — you name it.”
Meanwhile, the father and son team are looking for vendors to take over the vintage space in the heart of Oak Lawn. Part of the store once served as a bar, but Angelo knocked down a wall and gave the space new life.
Angelo Koutras was born in Greece and became a fur salesman at age 18. He first visited the U.S. early in his career to visit his friend, and began frequently traveling between the two countries.
“Another furrier that went out of business helped him actually start up, as my dad was working for him,” Alexi Koutras said. “Then he was like, ‘you know, I’m just going to start my own.’”
Soon after, Angelo met his wife and they had Alexi, cementing his new home in the southwest suburb.
Alexi said Angelo’s has seen relatively consistent success, despite fluctuating demand for the animal fashions.
Angelo Koutras works at his desk Jan. 16, 2025, at Angelo’s Leather and Furs. The Oak Lawn business plans to close down so Koutras can retire. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)”We hold our own, we’re in good shape,” he said. “But furs, you know, they’re not what they used to be back in the day. It’s just time.”
Angelo said he plans to spend time with family and generally relax, considering he’s operated the business six days per week for almost four decades. Alexi is considering possibilities for a different business venture, but nothing is set in stone yet.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
