Before a Beyoncé concert at Soldier Field, five women walked into Angelo’s Leather & Furs with one mission: fur coats for the show.
“It’s not every day you need a fur for a concert,” said longtime manager Sandy Amoroso.
Moments like that helped define the 41-year legacy of the Oak Lawn shop, which is now preparing to close after more than four decades in business. Known for luxury coats, custom leather, and full-service fur care, Angelo’s has been a fixture on 95th Street since 1983.
Owner Angelo Koutras, now 80, said he’s ready to retire.
“This was my first and only business,” Koutras said. “It just got bigger and bigger. It’s been 41 years.”
Since the beginning, Angelo’s has remained a family operation. His son, Alexi Koutras, started helping out in his teens and never left. He said the decision surprised loyal customers.
“People are shocked,” Alexi said. “We get calls all the time, people saying they don’t know what they’ll do. But we’re still open, and we’ve got sales going every day. Better than any blowout sale.”
There’s no official closing date yet. For now, the store continues to offer repairs, alterations, cleanings, and fur storage. Short-term layaway is available through the holidays, and customers storing furs will get at least a year’s notice before any final closure.
“We’re not going to just close and disappear,” Amoroso said. “Everyone will know ahead of time. We’re not like that.”
Amoroso has worked at Angelo’s for 26 years. Born and raised in Oak Lawn, she said the shop has felt like home.
“Angelo has become like family to me,” she said. “I’m happy for him, but I’m going to miss the customers. I’m going to miss what we do here.”
Over the years, the shop has dressed everyone from Michael Jordan to brides and concertgoers. Amoroso said athletes, musicians, and all kinds of people came through the doors.
Asked whether Angelo had a favorite piece he planned to keep, Amoroso smiled.
“He’s very generous,” she said. “If we like something, he tells us to take it.”
The shop’s core team consists of Angelo, Alexi and Sandy. Others helped during busy seasons, but it was always a family affair.
Angelo says he’s looking forward to retirement, maybe even a trip to Greece. Alexi is still figuring out his next move.
“I have some ideas, but yeah, I’ll miss this place,” Alexi said.
Looking back, Angelo kept his message to the community simple.
“Thank you,” he said.
