This week’s local business highlight is Caraway’s Pawn Shop. Caraway’s is located at 931 US Highway 1 N, Swainsboro, and is managed by Libby Caraway. She took over the business after her father-in-law, Bennett Caraway passed away. Mr. Caraway operated the pawn shop for 26 years, and has gained many customers over the years due to great customer service and fair prices. Libby plans to keep operating the business as Mr. Caraway would have wanted. Recently, The Blade met with Caraway and her son, Austin Oglesby, to discuss the family business. Here’s what we learned:
Q: How long has the business been open?
A: We have been open for almost 27 Years.
Q: How’s business?
A: It’s been pretty good and we are thankful for that.
Q: What’s an advantage to being in this location?
A: We are close to the highway and support received from the local community is great.
Q: Is there an item people ask for most?
A: Mostly guns, other than that we deal with mostly pawns.
Q: How has this business sustained so long?
A: We are fair with our prices and are great with customers.
Q: On a scale one to ten, how bad did Covid affect the business?
A: Business actually picked up during Covid. Yes, people stayed home during the middle of Covid but we had a lot of people coming in and selling items.
Q: Do you have a favorite part about working here?
A: You get to meet all sorts of new people. We love working with our community.
Q: Do you have any advice to give to up and coming local businesses?
A: Get to know your community, and if things don’t seem like they are working out at first, tough it out and you will get through it.
