Local pawn shops see more business

Not even an uptick in retail sales on "Black Friday" could bail out the nation from its economic doldrums as Wall Street analysts officially declared a recession and Arizona reported a record number of jobless at the beginning of the month.

But as skittish investors retreat from the volatility of the stock market and transfer funds to more conservative treasury securities, some average citizens in "recession-proof Yuma" are falling back on a more tried and true safety net: the pawn shop.

"There has been an influx of business lately," Jill Rodriguez, assistant manager of Coyote Coin and Pawn on 4th Avenue, said. "We always do better when business in general is down."

Yet more people seem to want to sell their possessions outright than pawn it because it earns more money since pawning is basically a loan, but then they can always return to pick it up, Rodriguez explained.

"Since the the price of oil came down, I don't see as many customers who say, 'I need money for gas.'"

Nimbly sidestepping between display cases of rare coin collections, heirloom mementos and cramped stacks of power saws, Rodriguez deftly negotiated sales of Zippo cigarette lighters and hand tools as she tried to explain the nuances of the pawn market that for some can act like an economic circuit breaker.

It is the DVD movie and VHS movie players along with hand tools that are the hottest selling items, Rodriguez said. Recent profits have slipped a little, but she is careful to remind every customer of forthcoming price reductions from Dec. 15 to 24.

"Our sales kind of went down since people don't seem to have as much money," Rodriguez said. "But whenever we have a holiday, we have a half-off sale and that really helps to bring in the customers, if we remember to advertise."

As Christmas approaches and the winter visitors return to Yuma, Rodriguez said she anticipates business to improve. And customers are also attracted to her antiques because they stir memories in people of a simpler era that also reminds them of their childhood and hometowns.

"I'm looking forward to next year and hope things pick up," she said.

Just around the corner on 3rd Avenue, The Packrats Den, open only from October to June, is having a great season so far, Karen Hill, the owner, said. She carries relics, toys and her antiques are also selling.

"Furniture seems to do well for us. People come in and say, 'Oh gosh, it's nice to see some furniture with real wood.'"

Yet even as business is bullish, Hill said she has seen an increase of people wanting to sell their possessions this fall.

"We just bought a 1950s woodcarving set, still in the case and never been used. It's a complete set and that's unusual. I've already had a customer who put a hold on it."

And for the truly nostalgic, Hill also has 1950s-era Coca-Cola and gumball machines. Neon signs are also a hit, such as Dale Earnhardt and Corona beer signs.

"Corona is a popular one," Hill said. "A lot of people here are Corona drinkers. This is our 19th year and if the season so far is any indication, we'll have a good season."

Business is also booming for Timeless Elegance Antiques & Collectibles on Main Street, noted Tecia Cox, the owner. The winter is her season, she said.

"I haven't slowed down with the stuff coming in and in fact, I just bought the entire furnishings from a house - they passed away and the heirs don't want it."

She pointed out that her business is a consignment shop, which is different from a pawn shop. A lot of people trust her with their merchandise and allow her to mark it for them. Whenever Cox prices the merchandise, it sells better, she said.

"I have great customers and I'm very happy here. I look forward to continuing business and I hope things get better for everyone."


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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yymasun.com or 539-6858.