A Behind-the-Counter Look at Dixie Pawn & Jewelry
If you’ve ever wondered what really walks through the doors of a pawnshop, you’re not alone. Most people imagine the usual suspects—gold chains, engagement rings, the occasional power drill. And yes, at Dixie Pawn & Jewelry, those are part of the everyday rhythm. But after more than 30 years serving Hollywood and the rest of Broward County, we’ve learned that the heartbeat of a pawnshop is its surprises.
Since reopening our doors, we’ve seen a wave of locals come in—longtime residents, tradespeople, new arrivals settling into the neighborhood’s growing redevelopment zones—and with them have come some of the most unexpected, delightful, and valuable items you can imagine. Pawnshops are full of stories, and the items people bring in often reveal more than just their monetary worth.
The Comeback of Retro Gaming
One afternoon, someone walked in carrying a dusty cardboard box. Most people would’ve guessed it was full of old books or holiday decorations, but inside was a perfectly preserved Nintendo 64, complete with controllers and a stack of classic games. For collectors, finds like this are pure gold. We’ve seen everything from original Game Boys to Sega systems, and every time one arrives, it sparks a wave of nostalgia—not just from customers, but from our own team, too.
What many don’t realize is that these older systems can hold their value remarkably well. A console tucked away in a closet for 20 years can quickly become someone’s prized possession again… and a source of instant cash for the person who brings it in.
Tools That Outlast Time
Another day, a local tradesman brought in an immaculate vintage drill—solid metal, almost indestructible, and still running like the day it was made. Tools like this remind us of how well things used to be built, and it’s no wonder so many professionals still prefer older, high-quality equipment over the newest models. Pawnshops like ours are a quiet hub for tradespeople who want to upgrade, replace, or simply make the most out of the equipment they already own.
And with Hollywood and Dania’s workforce constantly growing, we see these pieces come and go more often than you’d think. Every tool tells a story—usually one of long work hours, craftsmanship, and someone ready for their next project.
Instruments With Soul
Perhaps the most emotional items to come in are musical instruments. Guitars passed down through families, trumpets from a high-school marching band, or even keyboards from someone’s long-forgotten side hobby—they all arrive with a sense of history. Some of them are cherished heirlooms; others are rediscovered treasures that deserve a second chance to shine.
An instrument doesn’t need to be brand-new to be valuable. Many of the pieces we see simply need a little love, and once they’re tuned and polished, they often become someone else’s next source of inspiration.
Collectibles You’d Never Expect
One of the most fascinating parts of working in a pawnshop is watching the variety of collectibles that appear—old film cameras that still work beautifully, military memorabilia preserved with care, rare coins that traveled across decades, even vintage advertising signs that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
These pieces always draw in collectors, hobbyists, and curious shoppers. Hollywood has a vibrant community of residents who love unique finds, and thanks to them, our shelves often feel like a rotating museum of local history.
Modern Tech With Serious Resale Value
And then there’s the tech—drones, DSLR cameras, high-end sound equipment, gaming PCs. Sometimes someone walks in with a piece of equipment that looks like it came straight off a movie set. If it’s in good condition and still performs well, there’s almost always a buyer waiting for it.
In a digital world where devices are constantly being upgraded, people are often surprised how much value older but well-maintained tech can retain.
The Unexpected “Household” Treasures
Every now and then, someone brings in something that makes everyone behind the counter pause. It might be a high-end kitchen appliance, a specialized hobby toolkit, or even a piece of décor with a quirky history behind it. These moments remind us that value isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s sitting on a shelf at home, unnoticed until someone thinks, “Maybe I should bring this into Dixie Pawn and see what it’s worth.”
More often than not, they’re glad they did.
The Hidden Treasure Might Be in Your Home
If reading this has you mentally walking through your house, wondering what forgotten items might be worth, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly what makes pawnshops exciting. You never truly know what something is worth until a trained eye takes a look.
At Dixie Pawn & Jewelry, we’re proud to provide that trusted expertise, whether it’s for:
- A collateral-based pawn loan
- A jewelry appraisal
- Gold or diamond testing
- A collectible evaluation
- A tool or tech resale
- Or simply peace of mind
We’ve built our name by blending the traditional values of a family-run pawnshop with the modern, community-focused experience South Florida deserves. And now that we’re reopened, we’re excited to continue rediscovering the hidden treasures of Hollywood—one surprising item at a time.
Stop in, say hello, and see what value you might be sitting on.
The next unexpected treasure just might be yours.