Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Lowis.
Bruce, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The Lowis family has a long history in the pawnbroker business. My great-grandfather, Joseph Lowis, obtained the first pawnbroker’s license granted by the City of Chicago in 1918, although his shop had been in business since the 1890’s. We have owned and operated many pawnbroker shops in Chicago, and in 2008, I opened the shop in Rogers Park with my wife, Joyce Lowis, as co-owner.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Pawnbroking is a time-honored profession. We are a fourth-generation pawnbroker family. The business overall runs very smoothly because we service the general public with easy availability cash loans to which 85% on average redeem and pawn the same item three to four times per year. We also buy and sell mainly jewelry and coins but also all items of value, i.e. antiques, collectibles, electronics, cameras, etc. So as you see, we consider this business an easy road to hoe.
Please tell us about Gold Star Jewelry & Coin Co.
Gold Star Jewelry & Coin Co. is a pawnshop. As such, it is depression proof. What sets us apart is that we are family owned and operated and trusted by our established reputation. People from all walks of life, once they know that we are here, they love the experience.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
The year is 1949 and I am about three years old and my father took me to work at his pawnshop on the South Side of Chicago. That day, he put a broom in my hand and taught me the responsibility of sweeping and cleaning the store. That was my first recollection of being in the pawnshop.
Contact Info:
- Address: Gold Star Jewelry & Coin Co.
7048 N. Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60626 - Website: http://www.goldstarpawnchicago.com
- Phone: (773) 942-6556
- Email: goldstar4cash@ymail.com
- Instagram: goldstarjewelrylowis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldstarpawn
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/goldstar4cash
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/map/gold-star-jewelry-and-coin-co-chicago
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