We see spring-cleaning sales, end-of-the-year sales and back-to-school sales. Vivian Colette's storefront at 809 Garfield announces a new one: Help Me Stay in Business sale.

A few weeks ago, Colette, owner of an alterations business called Sew Particular, spelled out her distress.

She's beyond worrying about hanging on month to month, though her lease was up in September. Colette's got a more basic worry: She's behind in rent, and has been for awhile. She declined to say how much she owes in back rent, but refers to the amount as "substantial."

Colette has been at the Southtown location for about two years, having moved from retail space in Forest Park after the building she was in went condo. To diversify and add goods to her service-based business, Colette recently reorganized half her space-a second 800-plus-square-foot storefront-into a companion specialty resale business called It's Sew You, a consignment shop for women's clothes in larger sizes.

An art and fashion design graduate of Rosary College, Colette also makes garments such as dresses and accessories such as handbags-all items she can sell without paying a middleman. At her shop, Colette also has offered, and taught, sewing classes for children.

Her innovative attempts haven't helped.

"We're cooperating, and we're trying to get her through this," said Colette's landlord, Louis Scanicchio, who with a broker is trying to rent the second storefront. "She's a nice, hardworking lady, and we hope that she makes it. We're doing our best to help her."

Signs in the front windows of both storefronts say they're for lease, which the property's leasing agent confirmed by phone Monday.

Business started to drop off six or seven months ago, Colette says. In a tough economy, people aren't buying new clothing or willing to pay for alterations on what they've got. She says she was at break even early this year.

The shop's visibility worries her. The Help Me sale sign in the window is helping, but to a point. "People have been coming in saying, 'I hope you're not going out of business,' " Colette said. But she needs more shoppers discovering her and she needs the current ones to stay longer.

A big problem, Colette says, is that parking is sparse in Southtown.

"People will bolt out of dressing rooms for those meters, so I've learned to keep quarters on hand," she said.

"It's really not a good location, but it's where I am. So I kind of have to stay until I can sew my way out of here."

Colette, a 24-year resident of Oak Park, knows the score in finding alternatives to her her Ike-flanking location. In shopping districts where parking and visibility aren't such big issues, rents are higher. For a similar space, about 1,600 square feet, it would run between $2,000 and $4,000 per month. She currently pays about $1,000.

She's hoping to catch a few eyes as they pass by her sign.

"I've thought about throwing in all kinds of towels," she said. "I'm not a quitter. I try to roll with the punches, but it has been just below the belt, and I'm trying to hold on."

Colette, 56, is single, and says the business is her only source of income. If her last-ditch effort fails, she's uncertain of her next step. Working out of home isn't ideal. She started out with an at-home venture and knows that many of her customers who are handicapped would have difficulty climbing stairs to her home.

"I guess I just have to press on, even if it's against all odds," she said. "I'm optimistic. And if anything, it's not the end of the world."

CONTACT: mstempniak@wjinc.com