MUSCATINE, Iowa — Some people imagine what they would do if they won the lottery, but Muscatine’s Mark Sievert knows.

And he’s inviting shoppers in downtown Muscatine to witness his answer to that fanciful question.

“I won $50,000 on a lottery scratch off ticket,” said Sievert, 36, nodding toward the framed ticket, dated Feb. 6, 2009, that hangs on the store’s wall. “I always wanted to start my own business, so I thought this was a good time.”

Sievert opened Marks the Spot at 211 W. Second St. seven weeks ago.

The shop is open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week.

Sievert,  a full time delivery person for Maytag,  hired Jesse McChesney and Ryan Gourley of Muscatine to manage the store.

McChesney said this is an opportune time to open the shop, as people battle a troubled economy.

“People don’t want to buy brand new when they can save money buying almost new,” said McChesney.

Electronics are a big-seller at Marks the Spot.  McChesney pointed out a Play Station II console with two controllers marked at  $65.

Everyday items such as cell phones, digital cameras and DVDS are in large supply at the shop and McChesney said the items are guaranteed to work.

The shop also stocks NJoy Electronic cigarette kits for $80 and the accompanying cartons of cartridges for $20.

McChesney said Sievers bases his prices off the Internet site eBay and other pawn shops to stay competitive. 

 Marks the Spot’s staff members also strive to deliver a friendly atmosphere, said McChesney.

“We try and make it a nice environment,” he said. “We greet everybody who comes in. We hope people spread the word. We want to keep our business thriving.”