Fritz Timian was 62 years old when he opened his first used furniture store.

"I didn't know what I was doing," admitted Timian. "You go out and you get the wrong things and you don't put the right price on them. You have people come in that know more than you do and grab all of the bargains. It wasn't easy."

23 years later, Fritz and his son Tony are still standing. They've watched big name competitors come and go. But at their Pekin Used Furniture store on Court Street tough times have actually generated slightly more business.

"It's been pretty steady," said Tony Timian. "We're probably a little busier than in previous years because people are looking for a deal."

And Fritz says, whether the economy is good or bad, people are always shopping for a bargain.

"We try to fit a niche," said Fritz, whose daily activity belies his age. "If the grandson is getting his first apartment then we want to be here with some used furniture that he can get for a few hundred dollars. If you get the divorce and suddenly the husband doesn't have any furniture this is a good place to stop because we'll try to take care of him."

The Timians sell about 30 items a day and it's not all furniture. They have household items like microwaves and books. They even sell strollers and golf clubs. Yesterday Fritz sold two complete living room sets.

On some days business is brisk. But it's only a three–person operation.

"I think that's how you've got to do it too," said Tony. "If we were to hire more people I don't really think we could afford to be here."

It's hard work. 80 hours a week and rarely a day off. But the Timian's are thankful their customers keepl looking for a bargain.