This sign spotted outside of a pawn shop in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, raises all kinds of questions. Such as: now what for Christmas? Now hiring for Christmas? Now buying artificial conifers for Christmas? Now cleaning out our warehouses for Christmas? We need more clarification, EZ Pawn.

UPDATE: Apparently the word “layaway” was, at some point, on this sign, but wasn’t when Robin took this photograph. That makes more sense in concept, at least, but is still obnoxiously early for Christmas.

And, as tipster Robin muses, “Nothing says holiday cheer like Christmas shopping at a pawn shop in the middle of August!” Well, tough economic times call for new traditions.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.