Secondhand Christmas
from The Lima News
Looking for ways to cut corners, people are traveling to thrift stores and pawnshops to find gifts. "You can find many stylish items now in thrift stores at very affordable prices," said Betty Johnson, owner of Hidden Treasures, in Lima, Ohio. "People see it as a way to save money and give something nice as a gift." More

Pawnshop Loans Increase
from WBOY-TV
It can be hard to make ends meet in times like these. With bad credit, or no credit, it can be hard to get a loan. Pawnshops across Clarksburg, W. Va., are seeing an increase in business, and say they can help. More

Support for Consumer Lending Could Curb Predatory Practices
from USA Today
The federal government's $200 billion plan to prop up consumer lending is likely to come with strings banks won't like: new regulations curtailing predatory lending practices. The U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve recently announced plans to extend low-rate loans designed to help banks shore up their portfolios of credit card and other consumer loans. More

Pawnbrokers Report Usual Flow of Customers
from iStockAnalyst
According to the National Pawnbrokers Association's industry overview, "In today's diverse society, many people depend on pawnbrokers to help them meet those daily financial needs not met by other financial institutions. Our customers represent the working families of America who have an unexpected need for short term cash. Pawn loans keep the electricity on, the rent paid, and cars working and full of gasoline." More

Bargain, Pawnshops Thriving
from The Daily News Record
In economic times like these, it might be surprising to hear "booming" and "business" in the same breath. But for pawnshops in Harrisonburg, Va., and thrift and discount stores, a rise in customers selling, donating and buying is exactly what they're seeing. More

Gold Declines in Asia on Drop in Oil
from Bloomberg
Gold declined for the first time in three days in Asia as crude oil fell and equities dropped after U.S. retailers had the smallest gain for "Black Friday" holiday sales in three years. Platinum also tumbled. More

Pawnshops See Increase in Business During Economic Downturn
from WAVE 3-TV
The economy has forced stores like Circuit City and Value City out of business in Louisville, Ky. At S.E. Davis Company Pawn Shop in downtown Louisville, Ky., sales are up 35 percent. With spending expected to average around $833 this holiday season, options like pawnshops are seeing a boost. More

Run on Guns Driving Up Prices at Stores and Pawnshops Alike
from The Grand Junction News
People looking to buy guns aren’t haunting just sporting-goods stores. They’re looking as well for guns in pawnshops and reclaiming firearms they’ve already pawned. In the process, they’re driving up the price of firearms. More