Pawnshops an option for Calgary's budget-conscious holiday shoppers

Calgary's lagging economy is keeping pawnshops busy leading up to Christmas, as people look to unload items in exchange for quick cashor pick up inexpensive holiday gifts.

Robbie Barrett, assistant manager at Sharky'sInternational, a pawnshop located in northwest Calgary, told CBC News his store says consistently busy year-round, but there's definitely an increase ofborrowers in December.

"We see a bit more people looking for loans," Barrett said, adding that customers span all demographics.

"Right now, with the economy the way it is, it's everybody. You don't know what tomorrow's going to bring ... it goes from oil workers, to contractors, to stay-at-home moms."

Barrett said his store goes out of its way to avoid stereotypes about buying pawned items it's clean and staff run security checks to make sure products have not beenstolen, a service lacking inonline classified listings likeKijiji.

"Customers need help, we're here to help ... it's a business, but we try to lighten the mood and make customers feel good about being here," he said.

For those looking to pick up Christmas gifts, pawnshops can offer an appealing budget alternative when brand-new items are out of reach.

Sharky'sisembracing the holiday shoppers, offering a promotion leading up to Christmas.

The store also usually gets swamped with customers on Boxing Day.

Barrett said thehottest items include new video game consoles like Xbox Ones and PS4s, TVs, jewlery, tools and musical instruments but what's started to really fly off the shelves are classic game systems.

Both collectors and buyers hoping to relive their childhood or share their favourite games with their kids are eager to get their hands on vintage systems like Super Nintendos, he said, and games often sell for more than when they were first released.

• MORE CALGARY NEWS |4th generation Syrian soap maker to launch Calgary retail outlet
• MORE CALGARY NEWS |Driverless vehicles could be tested on downtown Calgary streets at night, say city staff