Nottingham shoppers have said the opening of a new Cash Generator in the city centre is a "sign of the times". As a result of the cost-of-living crisis, many people have changed their shopping habits and are taking to pawn shops.
At the new Cash Generator on Angel Row, shoppers can buy or sell electrical items such as phones, tablets, laptops and consoles. Products like gold and silver jewellery, bikes and musical instruments can also be bought or sold.
The new shop has an in-store reserve service up until Christmas where customers can reserve an item with a small deposit and pay over three months. It is interest free and no credit check is required as the item stays with the store until the full balance has been paid.
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In the city centre, Kurt Daniels, 57, told Nottinghamshire Live that he thinks demand for second hand stores is high. Mr Daniels said: “I can imagine a lot of people are relying on places like this to buy used items for Christmas. Even after Christmas, people will use second hand shops to buy things they need.
“Having the option to sell your stuff as well is pretty good. Get a bit of extra cash from stuff you don’t need.”
Michael White, from Bulwell, said: "Most people shop online. I prefer to go in shops and pay cash and try things. Sometimes when you get things online it's not what you were expecting then you have to wait days to get your money."
Michael, 50, feels that because of the cost-of-living emergency, people are probably bringing items to pawn shops more. He added: "When people bring things to pawn shops they have a chance to buy it back because when it's bought privately you don't get that chance."
A Nottingham shopper, who had wished to remain anonymous, said that people are shopping differently due to the crisis. He said: “I think more of the second hand shops are a need at the moment. Shops like this one, they allow people to get those cheaper products.
“I do think the current cost-of-living crisis is making people shop differently. I would say it’s the sign of the times.”
But a shopper called Cal, 20, who is originally from Leeds, told Nottinghamshire Live: "I think selling your own things is not the way. You should be able to make enough without selling your stuff.”
Pash Rai, manager of the shop, understands that due to the cost of living many people are budgeting. He spoke about the reception the store has had so far.
He said: “We’ve been open since November 8 and we’ve had a great response. Most people don’t want to buy new stuff, they want second hand.
"We also reserve items up until Christmas that people will have three months to pay off. It’s been a really good positive start and the shop looks different to what it was before.”
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