Currently there are 19 businesses operating at Oaks Center--six restaurants or food specialty stores, five clothing stores, three gift shops and five personal and professional services companies. It's a tight-knit community in which many of the businesses practice what they call "co-op marketing".

For example, when the Oaks Theater was still operating, "Diaper Day" was a bimonthly event for mothers and their babies. On this designated day, mothers could bring their babies to a special movie viewing at the theater and receive a10 percent discount at any restaurant in the center.

Besides special events, some Oaks businesses support each other on a regular basis. They offer their employees discounts at each other's stores.

"We have very good relationships and are supportive of each other," says Pauline Fong, owner of The Collection, a clothing store that has been in the Oaks Center for 10 years. "We help each other by referring our customers to other Oaks businesses."

These cooperative relationships are especially important during this time of economic recession, when all businesses are experiencing a decrease in sales.

Still, the shopping center is feeling the tug of the economic downturn.

"Sales have definitely slowed down," says Jason Gibbons, floor manager at Metrosports, a sportswear store that specializes in running products. "There is less total volume. Even our regular customers don't buy as much as they did before."

According to Gibbons, who has worked at Metrosports for two years, to improve performance, the company, which owns five stores throughout the Bay Area, is involved in a number of marketing efforts, such as launching a new website and partnering with local charitable organizations.

Although the downward trend is not unique to Oaks businesses, Gibbons believes the shopping center's location has exacerbated the situation for tenants.

"Located on a major street [Stevens Creek Boulevard] across from a college and next to the freeway doesn't help us. We have very few walk-in customers," Gibbons says.

Metrosports is not alone. Linda Evans Fitness Center, another longtime Oaks tenant, is also feeling the pressure of the sluggish economy these days.

Sandy Apfeld, general manager of the women's fitness facility, says, "I think all the businesses have seen a slowing down pattern. The economy hasn't gotten back its momentum since Sept. 11. Many people are watching what they spend, kind of taking a wait-and-see attitude until things get better."

Though business in general is down, Apfeld says the 8-year-old fitness facility is still getting new members, which means business is holding steady for them.

Like many tenants and patrons at the center, Apfeld is sad to say goodbye to the Oaks Theater.

"There's a reciprocity between all the businesses here. We support each other. So it's not easy to see the theater go," she says.

Although also feeling a loss, Jason Watson, a former Cupertino resident, is not surprised by the news of the theater's closing.

"Oaks Theater is not as nice as other theaters," Watson says. "There was no air conditioning, the screens were small and the seats were really uncomfortable. For the same amount of money, of course people would want to go somewhere else nicer and more comfortable."

Watson, who is a regular visitor at Oaks Center, does not believe the theater's closing will have a significant impact on the remaining Oaks businesses.

"I don't think many people came to the Oaks for the theater. I think people will continue to come to the Oaks for the unique stores and restaurants here. I know I will," he says.

In addition to the Oaks Theater, The Collection, the apparel store owned by Pauline Fong, is also closing, mainly due to the effects of the economy.

"I love the Oaks, and I love my customers," she says. "But with the economy like this, it's just too much for me. I would have stayed if the rent were lower. But I also feel that the place is too big for me. If I decide to return to the business in the future, I'd probably find a smaller store."

After March 31, The Collection's space will be occupied by Aida's University Book Exchange, a bookstore serving students from De Anza and West Valley colleges.