Think of pawnshops as America's collective garage sale--with one important difference: Here, most of the merchandise is actually useful. While Metro Pawn is smaller than many of the now-ubiquitous franchises, it's packed floor to ceiling with brand-name goodies. In addition to a selection of TVs, VCRs, and bookshelf audio systems, this shop has a good assortment of acoustic and electric guitars, amps, synthesizers, flutes, and clarinets. Jewelry, in addition to an initial markdown, can be found on sale for as much as 40 percent off, making for deals on gold that almost qualify as theft. They also carry videodiscs, CDs, and a handyperson's dream assortment of power and manual tools.