Sour economy closes high-end boutique

WASHINGTON, July 6 (UPI) -- Fewer galas and more cost-conscious customers mean the end of Harriet Kassman's iconic gown and bridal boutique in Washington, its owner said.

For more than 30 years, Kassman's namesake boutique has catered to women seeking thousand-dollar suits and gowns specially fitted by full-time seamstresses, The Washington Post reported Monday.

Nina Totenberg, a National Public Radio correspondent, said she became fond of Kassman's store years ago when Totenberg's husband was hospitalized for six months and she would stop by after visiting him.

Kassman's was "a store with some humanity," Totenberg said. "I'd often buy something to cheer myself up."

Kassman says she is hoping a "white knight" will save the store. She said she was brought to tears by the fluorescent-orange "sale" signs being hung in the store's windows.

"The recession hasn't helped us, and it's sad," Kassman said. "This is the worst I've seen it."