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Article updated: 10/29/2012 10:21 AM

How is local business affecting area furniture makers?

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Hoffman Estates resident Gerald Adams, shown here in his basement workshop, opened Custom Wood Accents shortly before the lengthy recession hit.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Burress Amish Furniture at 663 Villa St. in Elgin has been in business since 1983.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

The curved lines of a solid wood dining room chair at Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Gallery Image

Different stain options for oak furniture sit on display in the dining room furniture section at Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Part of the bedroom furniture collection at Burress Amish Furniture located 663 Villa St. in Elgin.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Solid Curly Maple designs of a dining room table at Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

A solid curly maple dining room table and walnut chairs at Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Different style chairs and curios at Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Gerald Adams, owner of Custom Wood Accents in Hoffman Estates, made this dining table and chairs in about six weeks. They now are used in his home.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Hoffman Estates resident Gerald Adams' home made the chair and living room table in his home.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

The unique design of Elm wood on a dining room table at Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Burress Amish Furniture at 663 Villa St. in Elgin has been in business since 1983.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Local customers — and the lack thereof — has affected a pair of merchants in different ways and in one case, a Hoffman Estates furniture maker took on a second job to make ends meet. Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin sells all sorts of solid wood furniture made by Amish people living in Ohio. Joanne Scara, the store's marketing associate, estimates that half of the store's clientele hails from the surrounding area. Customers typically discover the 29-year-old store online, then come in to see what it's selling — merchandise is not available for purchase online.