The economic crisis is taking its toll on many Connecticut businesses, including a specialty clothing store in Darien that's been in business for more than 30 years.

Erica Jensen, the owner of the Helen Ainson Shoppe, says her list of clients once topped more than 10,000 and now she sees about half coming to her store. Jensen says even when customers buy something it is rarely a whole outfit.

To make matters worse, Jensen says rents have increased but not sales so the mom and pop stores are struggling. Jensen has slashed prices to compete with the bigger stores and is hopeful that come spring things will be back to normal.