One pawnbroker has recently announce that its operations have been boosted as of late due to continued demand for short term loans and strong gold prices.
Albemarle & Bond, pawnbrokers which not only offer instant short term loans but also cash for gold in more than 150 shops across the UK, remarked that the four months leading up to October saw it trading well as more Brits had to supplement their cash by selling or pawning their jewellery. Albemarle added that, even though 2010’s growth was ‘exceptional’ in comparison to the current year, its pawnbroking pledge book showed even more growth.
Trading cash for gold has also been a strong performer for the provider of instant cash loans, with gains in achieved margin and also in volumes. Current market conditions lead it to expect to add an additional 15 stores before the end of the financial year, with two additional shops dedicated to purchasing gold before the Christmas season ends.
The group reported that profits have increased for the 20th consecutive year, with a 5 per cent increase leading to a total sum of £21 million for the past 12 months to 30 June. Greville Nicholls, chairman of Albemarle, recently informed the company’s shareholders that the pawnbroker is on track for meeting management expectations for the entire year as he spoke at an annual meeting recently.
The firm remarked that the gold jewellery retail market is still soft, adding that it is still choosing to reclaim the gold from second hand jewellery in the current price environment, as this nets more lucrative returns than any alternative re-selling methods.