A pawnbroker's business is one that involves lending money to customers who provide collateral in the form of personal property. Some synonyms for the term "pawnbroker's" include pawnshop, pledge shop, lending shop, and collateral loan store. These terms all refer to a business that allows individuals to obtain cash by pawning their possessions for a temporary period and then repurchasing them later. Pawnbrokers have been around for centuries and provide a valuable service by offering short-term loans to people who may not have access to traditional lending options. Regardless of the term used, the business of a pawnbroker continues to serve a vital need in many communities.