Newlon

Citing problems with renegotiating a new lease and the doldrums of today’s economy, longtime downtown Los Altos merchant Lynda Newlon abruptly closed her 21-year business, Acacia C., on March 22.

“This was very, very unexpected,” said Newlon, a Los Altos resident, after a breakdown in lease negotiations resulted in an order by her landlord to clear out within 48 hours.

“I didn’t know what was happening,” said the owner of the women’s clothing store at 270 Main St. “I had a warehouse full of merchandise.

Newlon said calls to Acacia C.’s business phone will transfer to her home phone for customers with inquiries.

Acacia C.’s number is 941-5388.

Newlon has been a presence in downtown Los Altos since 1981 when she ran the Village Bottle Shop on Main Street.

“Please support your downtown merchants,” Newlon said. “Most of the stores are hanging by a shoestring.”