Pawn shops prosper amid coronavirus pandemic

While the coronavirus has put many industries in financial hardship, the pawn shop industry is still prospering through hard times.

Continuing to prosper through hard times.

Wtva's sydney darden spoke with one local owner about how his business has changed since the pandemic.

Emily, i spoke with the owner of mike's pawn shop earlier today.

He says stimulus check season has officially surpassed tax season as the most profitable time for his shop.

That's really serious."

Sot candence getties, customer- "i'm trying to find a platy station."

Candence getties is now on her fourth pawn shop trying to find a play station 4 for her daughter.

Sot candence getties "- it seems like i've been all over to east tupelo trying to find one.

Tried to find one online so i came to mikes trying to find one but of course their out.

And it's not just mike's pawn shop.

Empty tv and gaming sections are becoming a more and more common sight all over the city.

Sot mike kidd, mike's pawn shop, owner- "with the stimulus checks combined and put out in increments it's been something i've never seen before."

For owner mike kidd, sales has nearly doubled in the last month alone.

Sot mike kidd- "weapons have been the number one seller.

We've sold over 200 hand guns in 3 and a half weeks.

Tv's have flown out the roof.

With more stimulus checks going out everyday, kidd says he simply can't keep anything on the shelf.

Nat i wish i had 100 play stations.

I could sell them all right now."

And while it's been a blessing for many others say it's best to save the money now in case you need to get out of the woods later.

Sot candence getties- "that stimulus money isn't for games and stuff like that.

That's for something that's really serious.

Kidd also says around this time of year people tend to have more cash on hand.

Less people are pawning things and started buying items from the pawn shop instead.

Live in tupelo sydney darden wtva 9 news after several people