"Although I will go to their new store in Los Gatos, I would love them to stay," Yasukawa said. "It's just horrible."

Jeri Ng, owner of Only the Best, said she had no choice but to consolidate her Cupertino store with her store at the Cornerstone Shopping Center in Los Gatos because the landlord at the Oaks just doubled her rent.

"It's sad to leave but it has become very hard for small businesses to survive here," said Ng, who has lived in Cupertino with her family for 16 years.

Ng started the business from her garage. In 1993, she quit her banking job to take care of her sons. A rubber stamp hobbyist, she began selling rubber stamp products via catalogues. As the business grew, she rented a store at the Oaks and has stayed since. Many customers are drawn to Ng's shop because of her creativity, knowledge and friendliness.

"Jeri always has tons of ideas," said Nikki Brown, who makes custom invitation cards. "It is her personality and her willingness to help that I don't get in other places."

Ng said a lot of customers have become good friends.

"We know our customers by name," Ng said. "And we accompany our customers through important stages of their lives."

Ng said she will also miss other merchants at the Oaks.

The owners of the small businesses at the Oaks have developed a strong rapport. They give each other 10 percent discounts and help with each other's businesses. For example, they give packing materials and boxes to the Postal Annex so the Postal Annex doesn't have to charge their customers for packing.

"I always feel the Oaks is the community center and have been proud to be a part of it," Ng said while sipping a mocha shake from the Coffee Society. "But as the management keeps raising rents, we are losing a lot of unique shops. Instead, we get a lot of big chain stores like Jamba Juice, Cold Stone Creamery and Togo's."

Ng said she feels she is more valued in Los Gatos. She opened her shop in the Cornerstone Shopping Center in February because the landlord invited her to do so. Her Los Gatos shop is twice as big as the Cupertino store but costs less. With more space, she is able to teach classes in rubber stamping.

Ng said she certainly would love to return to Cupertino one day but she isn't sure when.

"It all depends on the economy," Ng said.

The new location of Only The Best is the Cornerstone Shopping Center, 15954 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos. For more information, call 408.356.7362.