It's a store for parents run by parents, twin sisters.

"We want parents to find a good bargain and still get the things they want," said Abby Whetstone.

A good bargain is hard to come by, especially for this small business paying a big lease.

As retail prices fell with the economy, the rent on this store remained high, leaving the owners scrambling to pay the bills.

"We're making payments as we can. We're mailing checks every week, every two weeks now," said Whetstone.

They're still behind on the payments and the lease isn't up for at least another year.

It's just one store in a long line of businesses trying to keep up.

A few doors down, a phone number is now plastered across the front glass where a business once occupied the site.

It's one of several vacancies in this shopping center near 64th and Ward in Arvada.

While stores try to keep the lights on, they're also finding themselves in the dark when it comes to getting credit because banks aren't lending like they once did.

"We can't get a loan. We've tried three times at three different banks. We are constantly denied," said Whetstone.

Whetstone says the only option is to hope the commercial developer cuts them a break or else.

"We fear going dark. We don't want to right now. We're a vital part of this community, especially for our customers who can't afford retail prices for the things their kids need," said Whetstone.