Pawnbrokers thrive as US economy falters

[UpInArms]

Source: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - As other businesses struggle in an economic slowdown, US pawnbrokers are thriving thanks to increasing numbers of Americans forced to separate with their family jewels to make ends meet.

"We see more people coming in to raise money in these uncertain economic times," said Rick Sussman of Northwestern Loan Company in Baltimore which, founded in 1919, is the oldest pawnbroker in the state of Maryland.

He added: "In better times you might see people from the lower end of the social economic class getting loans, and in bad economic times you tend to see additionally also people who are middle-class trying to raise money."

Power tools, stereos and above all jewelry -- given the high price of gold -- are pawned for between one and three months in exchange for a loan.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080504/bs_afp/useconomysociety

[Enrique]

1. pawning jewelry to buy gas

let the good times roll!

[Double T]

2. The bush/ cheney GREATEST DEPRESSION has arrived.

Let's make certain credit is given where credit is due.

[Hugin]

3. How long before they open Organ Pawn Shops?

But... But... But... I'm still USING it!*













* Yet another Monty Python's "Meaning of Life" reference.

[UpInArms]

8. you mean to tell me that you aren't done with your liver yet?

:thumbsup:

[Hugin]

10. ...

You ask that early on a Sunday morning? :lol:

[SpiralHawk]

4. The occult republicon economic plan decloaks

Thanks a pantload for your 'conservative' economic policies, republicons. They are about as real and worthwhile as your freaking diaper-clad, hooker-boinking 'family values.'

Haven't the republicons had enough of their own gag-inducing hypocrisy yet?

Snap out of it, republicons. Reality awaits.

[Double T]

7. republicons have NO CONSCIENCE.

Hypocrisy is their ONLY reality.

[grytpype]

5. What's wrong with eBay?

[nichomachus]

14. Nothing -- Craigslist either

Craigslist just reported that their ads for people selling personal items like jewelry and electronics was up 70% over last year at this time.

People need the money to buy food and gas.

[madmom]

6. Had a new pawn shop open last summer in my town, already he has

expanded his parking lot and added a new building. He made his lot bigger now looks like a used car lot.Sad!:(

[Aragorn]

9. medication

I have patients pawning stuff to pay for life-saving medications.

[Hugin]

11. That is very sad.

:/

[tomreedtoon]

12. You mean seeing a guy like this?

And anyone who remembers this film gets an extra ten points.

[OhioChick]

13. People have been pawning shit here

for quite some time to pay for gas, meds, etc.