This Marketdata study examines the operations of the nation's 14,000 pawn shops that provide an alternative lending source for small loans. This is a business that banks shun and are not equipped to handle - consumers with spotty credit records and banking relationships. The study discusses how pawn shops operate, customer demographics, operating ratios, industry size and growth from 1987-2003 forecast. Company profiles provided for Cash America, EZ Corp., U.S. Pawn and First Cash. Includes summary of the "poverty market" (rent-to-own stores, check-cashing services and sub-prime lenders).
