National Pawn Greensboro, NC
When you think pawn shops where does your mind run to first? Maybe it’s guns or quick money. It might be a dark space with bars on the windows that you avoid every time you drive past it. National Pawn in Greensboro, NC is changing the perception of pawn while still being a community asset.
My Experience
I had the pleasure of checking out the space and digging through some merchandise myself! My first impression when walking into the space was not, this is dark, dingy and unwelcoming; instead it was a bright welcoming space with a well dressed staff ready to help. Every associate was warm and made sure a warm welcome was the presentation that I was offered. I struck up a conversation with one of the associates Mark who was an avid photographer and even shot a few photos for me while I was in store! (Thanks for your help Mark!)
Walking around with David the manager I had the pleasure of exploring what they offer at National Pawn. The team seeks to keep high end customer service and merchandise at the forefront of the business while also catering to a diverse customer base. Louis Vuitton bags, brand new Coach purses, and Rolex watches are just a few items that the store had featured. While these items immediately drew my attention I was also really impressed with the vintage pieces that the store held.
David discussed with me how a majority of the pawn customers they have are repeat customers. After meeting the staff and seeing how friendly they are I can see why the desire to come back is high! One customer that David told me about was a gentleman who deals with vintage watches. As I dug through the collection I found one that stood out to me. It was a vintage timepiece from the swiss luxury craftsman at Raymond Weil. I am not one for large gaudy watches and the simplicity of the piece truly stood out to me. Could it be that a piece like this was hiding in a jewelry case in this National Pawn? After spending a lot of time picking David’s brain on watches I settled on the Raymond Weil being the piece for me. This beauty was marked around $50!? I also managed to snag a gorgeous 10k gold ring that was hand wrought for my girlfriend.
For the Community
As a musician I was delighted to see the selection of quality instruments on the wall from Martins to Gibson electrics. David discussed his previous musical experience with me and then told me about the incredible work that National Pawn had done for local schools in the community. The CEO of National Pawn Bob Moulton was heavily involved in band as a young man and knew the struggles of affording instruments. Many band programs across the country suffer from extremely low budgets. Imagine being a young kid enthused about learning music and you are unable to even attempt due to financial barriers. Bob decided to step in and help!
His locations would buy old band instruments and collect them. These instruments were not to be sold in the store front, but instead be stockpiled for his cause. The National Pawn team would reach out to local school boards across NC and find out which schools needed help. The team would then donate a huge selection of band instruments, acoustic guitars, recorders and even money to help cover cost of instrument upkeep.
Welborn Academy in High Point NC was a local school that received such a blessing. With over 15 locations spanning North Carolina, National Pawn has helped music programs get back on their feet; a mission which to me hits home.
Is it for you?
Pawn shops are one of the fastest ways to quick cash. There is no concern for your credit score or your financial status. You bring in an item that they hold as collateral until you are able to pay off the amount. At National Pawn they seek to pay you more and care more than any other pawn shop.
Maybe you aren’t strapped for cash but simply love the hunt for unique items like I do! Go check out one of the National Pawn locations and see the variety of items that they have to offer. You may find your gem like I did while also getting a great deal! Remember it isn’t Walmart, you can negotiate with the teams and see if there is any wiggle room! While I frequent thrift stores, flea markets and other consignment boutiques I cannot say that I was a pawn customer. This experience changed my perspective!
Check out their locations here!! http://www.nationalpawnshops.com/