Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Susan Linville carries clothing for boys, girls and babies at Eric's Kids' Clothing.

New In Town

And Eric makes three

Eric's Kids' Clothing is the newest arrival in a family of three clothing stores, including Sue's Ladies' Clothing and Joey's Men's Clothing. The shop, located at the corner of Elm Street and N. Santa Cruz Avenue, carries everything from newborn apparel to children's size 14.

Five years ago, owner Susan Linville moved from San Jose to Los Gatos and opened Sue's. Its success was the inspiration for opening the men's clothing store, which she shares with business partner Joey Zahriya.

Later, Linville--who has a seven-year-old son named Eric--begin envisioning a store that catered to kids.

"The town needed a children's store that was geared toward children's clothing. From the beginning, I knew I wanted it to be a fun atmosphere," she said, explaining that she didn't want it to look like an adult department store.

The store is separated into two sides: boys' and girls'. Wooden toy trains join the boys' clothing on shelves. Antique tricycles line the wall; small T-shirts with cowboys and fire trucks hang from the racks.

In the middle of the store, old baby cribs are converted into clothing displays. Wicker baskets hold small pink and purple sandals, and a yellow bird cage displays brightly colored hair clips. Atop the girls' shelves are dolls and soft, white baby rattles next to polka-dotted and flowered dresses.

Linville says she leaves most of the advertising to son Eric, who passes out business cards at school. "He thinks he's a big businessman," she said.

In the first two months that the store has been open, Linville said, the response has been great. "People are actually thanking us for opening the store," she said.

Eric's Kids' Clothing, 46 Elm St. Hours are Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 395-1277.

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