Downturn boosts business at pawn shops
Joe Ellis, owner of Cherokee Coin and Pawn in Alpharetta, operates an 1898 cash register that he's used for many years. His company is one of the largest and most respected dealers of coins, but he also operates a high-end pawn business. He said the economic downturn has increased the number of people looking for short-term loans. Phil Skinner / pskinner@ajc.com
