The general store Norton’s USA, which carries only American-made goods, is winding down after 14 years in Barrington, a decision that was by no means easy for owner Deborah Leydig.
“I love, love, love the store. It was finally this year, now, that I was able to say, ‘I am ready,'” the 68-year-old said.
“We have great customers — and that’s what is so hard, because we have a conversation with everyone who comes. Kids we knew, now are in college and getting married.”
The Barrington store offers a wide variety of products: men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, beauty products, food, candy, home and garden items, cleaning supplies, toys and more.
“I have always loved my kitchen items and housewares, from potato peelers to can openers,” Leydig said. “We have the best cookware — stainless steel, cast iron — and Anchor Hocking glassware.”
The biggest sellers are the holiday Christmas box cards, she said.
“Everything here I have curated and personally bought.”
A former actress, Leydig was inspired to open the store after she played author Barbara Ehrenreich in “Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America” at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago.
