With its status as the only pawn shop within twelve miles, White House Pawn Shop has had the opportunity to help people from all over the area when they have had unexpected emergencies. According to Nugent, there is a common misperception that only low income or drug using individuals do business with a pawn shop. Based on his two decades of experience, that is far from accurate.

“A lot of middle income people come in when something unexpected happens,” he explained. “I'm basically a bank. The difference between me and a bank is that, when you borrow money, the first thing a bank wants to know is what you're going to use the money for. As far as I am concerned, that is none of my business.”

Instead, Nugent offers his customers complete confidentiality, an upfront agreement on the terms of the loan and ample opportunity to redeem their pawned items.

“If I never had to have anything in this store, that would be fine with me,” Nugent added. He does all he can to help customers keep their items, holding them for a minimum of ninety days and offering opportunities to extend the loan if needed. He is also committed to accepting only luxury items rather than those that are necessities. With these policies in place, around eighty percent of Nugent's customers redeem their merchandise for the standard rate of the amount loaned (twenty-five percent of the retail value) plus a storage charge that is determined by state law.

A wide variety of items are accepted at White House Pawn Shop including electronics, video games, jewelry, firearms and tools, all of which are available for purchase at excellent prices once the previous owner decides not to redeem them. “I sell a lot of tools, firearms and jewelry,” Nugent noted, adding that his jewelry prices are half of the amount charged at retail stores. Every piece placed in the store is reconditioned through a cleaning and buffing process that makes it indistinguishable from new. “I guarantee all of my things to work,” he commented. “People can buy things and get great deals.”

For an alternative to credit cards, title loans and cash advances when the need arises for quick, short term loans, check out White House Pawn Shop at 111 Highway 76 open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. or call 672-5205 for more information. Keep the store in mind for great prices on fine jewelry, firearms, power tools and other great gift ideas for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions.