Neighbor News
The end of an era for downtown Highland Park retail institution
Bett's-high-end women's apparel store and fixture in Highland Park for 43 years-to close it's doors
[HIGHLAND PARK, IL, October 21, 2019] After 43 years in business, Bett’s—a women’s apparel boutique, and a fixture in download Highland Park—is closing its doors, owner Bett Barnett announced today.
Since opening in 1976, the women’s apparel boutique has survived multiple challenges faced by the retail industry, and thrived thanks to its dogged focus on customer service and keen connection with its customer base.
“Bett’s has been a labor of love,” Barnett says. “Over the last 43 years we have been able to create special bonds with our customers that go beyond the clothing. Helping women feel beautiful and find just the choice to wear for everyday or for an important occasion has been a joy. We have intersected with the important moments in our customers’ lives and shared tender feelings as we dressed them for Bar Mitzvahs, rehearsal dinners, class reunions or a first date.”
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Barnett served as chief buyer at the boutique and employed dozens of workers over the years. She served on the Business and Economic Development Commission, the board of the Chamber of Commerce, and co-founded Fashion Week in Highland Park. She has also mentored students from several merchandising and design college programs and spoken at Fashion Group International Career Events.
Bett’s remained at its Central Avenue location in downtown Highland Park, through waves of other businesses such as Fell Company, Style Shop and the Bootery that closed.
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Bett’s is closing due to her retirement to Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Customers have flooded in with tears, hugs and well wishes about my retirement,” Barnett says. “The outpouring of emotion has struck a chord that goes deeper than the closing of my long-standing business. I have heard people say, ‘You may be closing the store but you’ll live on in my closet.’”
Beginning the week of October 21, Bett’s will have a Blowout Sale and close once everything is sold. Barnett says she’d love for the store to remain open if she can find a buyer.
