Shoppers in Bulwell believe the upcoming opening of a new store shows "the sign of the times." The Cash Monkey, a pawnbrokers where second-hand goods can be traded, is due to open in Commercial Road, Bulwell.
Signs for a new shop popped up recently with residents curious as to what would be replacing the former Budget Wise store, which closed earlier this year. Following a series of high-profile closures in recent months, including the Bulwell Boots and a NatWest bank, shoppers have been crying out for more places to head to.
Some residents noted that the "miserable" cost of living crisis has had an impact on people in the town, with the opening of a pawnbrokers being a sign that people need quick cash fast - particularly with Christmas not far away.
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Ade Wood, 63, who lives in Basford, said: "I come to Bulwell about once a week. It just shows you the sign of the times that a cash converter is being brought in.
"Times are hard at the moment with the cost of living and now they're bringing in a cash converter, I'm not sure how smart that is. It's a miserable time for a lot of people and you're never sure if what you're getting is what you should be getting from those sorts of places.
"I'd heard about the bank closing down - it's quite bad. This is having an impact on local people who come to the town on a regular basis.
"Obviously you've got Christmas coming up and lots of holidays so it's a way for people to get a bit more money in to help them cope but I don't know if this is the best idea.
"I still like the Bulwell market when it's busy, though."
Marcus Tulet, 51, who lives in Bulwell, said: "I can think of some other things that Bulwell might need more of. First of all the bank closing down was a stupid idea.
"Not everybody banks from home, especially older people, and I wasn't either before that. I'm not sure that's taken into consideration.
"The market and town centre isn't quite what it used to be. There are just less people coming into it and maybe that's by design because if you keep closing stuff down that's what happens.
"I think more name brands would attract people. I think you'll see a lot of people heading to the cash converter."
The Cash Monkey currently operates stores in Nottingham, Mansfield, Beeston, Long Eaton and Ilkeston.
Pauline Laner, 68, said: "I can understand why a cash converters is coming in because it's a good way for people to get a bit of extra money. I don't think I'd go in there but who knows!
"People are having a difficult time of things right now with the way things are so it makes sense. The cost of living crisis has been tough on people.
"It was a shame when the Boots closed down - I didn't really know why that decision was made. I do think anything opening now is probably a good thing.
"We need more places to shop in and more reasons for people to want to come to Bulwell. I'm still in the town centre a lot, I don't like travelling too far now, but you can definitely see a change.
"You don't get the same things here as if you travelled into the city and shops closing down is a shame as well but I still like coming here when I do. It's home."
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