Many businesses in Apex, along with the rest of the country, are being hit by hard economic times.

Pam Thorpe owner of the Rusty Bucket says her customers were cautions about what they purchased this holiday season.

"We're down probably 40 percent. That's a significant decrease in business," Thorpe said.

Things were no different at the Peak City Grill also on Salem Street. Manager Curtis Floyd says they saw a decrease of about 15 percent.

"We've been one of the few restaurants that you can come in and sit down with white tablecloths and napkins and have a really great time but it's also a downfall because we're not as inexpensive as the Fridays or the pizza places," Floyd said.

With the decrease in sales, business owners are also seeing changes in the type of items customers are buying.

"We have seen a decrease in big ticket items; where in the past we sell $14,000 in appliances and sofas. Now, the major ticket items are $50 or less," Thorpe said.

Floyd also sees people eating less when they go out to save money.

"We'll see people instead of getting the entire entrée soup salad and meal they will get a salad and steak," Floyd said. "Some people even order just appetizers."

But Thorpe and Floyd are making changes to accommodate the challenging economic times. The Peak City Grill is lowering prices, offering specials every night of the week. Thorpe also has a plan.

"People are thinking twice before spending $14,000 on a set of kitchen appliances. Now, we're focusing on items people can come in and buy and still feel good about purchasing something." 

Thorpe is optimistic things will soon change. Until then, Thorpe and Floyd say they will cater to the financial situations of their customers.