Frow WSET Dot Com

Reporter: Shelley Basinger

Lynchburg, VA – A downtown Lynchburg business is celebrating an incredible milestone. This month marks the 120th anniversary of L. Oppleman. It’s the oldest pawn shop still in existence in the country.

“It seems like I just did the 100th anniversary, but I guess time just flies,” owner David Somers said.

While you’ll still find David Somers behind the counter, he has handed over most of the shop to his son Ryan.

“I love coming to work everyday. And after being here about six years, I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” said Ryan Somers.

That makes three generations running the same business. David took over for his dad in the 70s. Aaron Somers bought it from Ike Oppleman in the 30s.

“The company was started in 1890 with Jacob Oppleman, named after his wife Lena. That’s why you have the ‘L’,” said David.

For 120 years – the L. Oppleman name stayed the same. But the Somers family knew they had to change with the times.

“Ebay has been a new aspect, selling online, which has really grown. We have a tax service now where we do instant refunds,” David said.

New deals like “Oppleman Bucks” allow pawn customers to get a refund of their interest to use in the store. And Ryan uses his computer skills to reach out on Facebook and Twitter.

“It’s good advertisement, a lot of the kids are doing that these days,” Ryan said.

But the best advertisement is being able to claim a nationwide title.

“We’ve held up as the oldest pawn shop in existence, I mean, I’d be happy if we were the 6th oldest… so that’s pretty exciting for me,” David said.

Owners at L. Oppleman say they are considering expanding, by offering a second location in the city.

They’re offering special anniversary deals this month. One-hundred-twenty select items in each department are being marked down to $120.