Kiss'Tique to Close Los Gatos Boutique

Kiss'Tique, the trendy fashion boutique for all ages on North Santa Cruz Avenue, is closing for good on Sunday, Jan. 27, its management has announced.

"The lease is high and the economy hasn't been good," lamented sales associate Andrea Ibarra, who said the closure means three employees will lose their jobs.

Opened at 11 No. Santa Cruz Ave. in June of 2010 by Heather Twardus, the store is now having a 60 percent sale on all merchandise hoping to clear out the space completely by the end of the week.

On its Facebook page, Twardus wrote that it was with "great regret" that she was informing her customers ceasing operations. "Thank you all for your friendship and patronage."

The boutique sold high-quality fashion at lower prices than those of comparable shops. However, that was not enough to keep it afloat.

"So many customers are really sad about it. This used to be their favorite store," Ibarra said.

Customer Kelly Thompson, 14, was perusing through the boutique's discounted clothing on Monday, while expressing her sadness with the news. "I haven't been here that often, but it's a cool store and it has cool stuff. The customer service is really nice and their pants are really cool," she said. "I'm sorry to see them go."