Closing time: Barrington bridal shop owner retires

BARRINGTON – Just as Carol Hood knows when someone has found “the dress,” she knows it is time for her to do something different.

After more than 24 years in business, Hood will close A L'Amour, a bridal boutique located at 236 West Northwest Highway in Barrington, at the end of the month.

“It’s time,” Hood said. “… You know when you’re ready.”

Before opening her store on Valentine’s Day 1990, both Hood and her then high-school aged daughter Amy Kazar worked at another bridal shop and special occasion store. Hood said she wasn’t comfortable with her daughter being left alone to close the store at night, so she started coming in and vacuuming while Kazar did her closing duties. Eventually, Hood starting working at the shop and even became manager.

When the owners of that shop told Hood they weren’t ready to sell, Hood and Kazar ventured out onto their own. Although Kazar left full-time employment with A L’Amour about 12 years ago to pursue a career in web development, she still handles the A L’Amour website.

A L’Amour will have a closing sale through June 30. What is in store is what they have left.

Although ready to see what is next for her, Hood will miss her customers, many of whom have returned to her for all of their special occasions over the past 24 years.

“I think probably helping families (is what I’ll miss most),” Hood said. “It’s not just individuals, but families selecting dresses for special occasions.”

While the shop is mostly bridal, it also offers things like communion, prom and even 50th anniversary dresses.

“When they know (it’s the dress), there’s definitely an emotional reaction and it’s often very touching,” Hood said.

Hood said over the years, she has seen many repeat customers. With the kind of business she operates, her customers only come in during those special times.

“In the last three to five years, there have been an awful lot of women that come back for a wedding dress that hadn’t been in since prom or communion,” Hood said.

Although Hood did consider selling A L’Amour, ultimately, she decided against it.

“I wanted to leave it how it is and the reputation it has,” she said. “… I wanted to close on my own terms.”

Although not entirely sure what is next for her once she closes those doors, Hood knows she’ll spend some time just being grandma. And she gives herself six months to experiment with things, like bridal blogging, to decide what she wants to do next.

“It’s that constant in my life that is going to be gone,” Hood said.

One final event A L'Amour will participate in is Brides Across American on June 29. According to Brides Across America, brides dream of having the perfect dress and a beautiful gown is an essential part of every bride's special day. Brides Across America plays a role in making their dreams come true by giving a military bride a free wedding gown during a Brides Across America's Nationwide Gown Giveaway. For more information on the event, visit www.bridesacrossamerica.com.