Business booming at local pawn shops

While some businesses are struggling, area pawn shops are booming. Many are pawning their items for the cash to spend, while others are looking to spend to snatch up the deals.

In either case, the owner of seven nearby stores said the reason is the same, the sluggish economy.

Shoppers and sellers agree.

Some need the money for necessities. Others are in search of the bargains for holiday gifts, and more.

Shopper Terri Stokes said, “I'm particularly looking for holiday ideas because I assume with the economy like it was more people would be pawning good items and it would be a good time to look for a bargain in a pawn shop.”

Jewelry seems to be one of the most popular things to buy and sell.

Generally, if you trade your personal item for cash on the spot at a pawn shop, you have the option of getting that item back before a ninety day period, but you do pay interest on the money loaned to you.