[cherie]

This code from subcategories_list.tpl might be enough to get you started:

PHP Code:

{if $config.Appearance.count_products eq "Y"}
              {if $subcat.product_count}
                ({$subcat.product_count} {$lng.lbl_products})
              {elseif $subcat.subcategory_count}
                ({$lng.lbl_N_categories|substitute:count:$subcat.subcategory_count})
              {/if}
            {/if}