Rent-to-own News - APRO, Ashley hospitality suite a hit

RTO dealers at the Ashley Hospitality Suite at World Market Center Las Vegas Tuesday.

More than 30 rent-to-own professionals representing a dozen companies turned out Tuesday for the annual RTO reception at Las Vegas Winter Market hosted by the Association of Progressive Rental Organzations and sponsored by Ashley Furniture.

World Market Center Las Vegas’ campus was alive with optimism and enthusiasm during opening days of the first major home furnishings market of the year and the decade with attendance numbers on par to outpace last year’s Winter Las Vegas Market. Pair that with the nearly 100 new exhibitors, and Las Vegas Market experts say it bodes well for the coming year in home furnishings industry activity, innovation and design.

"This has been a great market," said Showplace Rent to Own owner Gary Ferriman. "There are definitely deals to be had out there."

Ferriman was one of dozens of rent-to-own dealers who headed to World Market Center in Las Vegas this week for the Winter World Market. Ferriman joined buyers from other notable RTO companies such as Buddy's, ColorTyme, American Rental, Dian Rent-To-Own and Bestway Rent To Own.

“Optimism, optimism, optimism. That’s the theme for this Las Vegas Market,” said Robert Maricich, president and CEO of World Market Center Las Vegas. “There has been an uptick in activity and it is reflected in attitudes and order writing here in Las Vegas. This Market aims to be a leader not only in products and sales, but in leading the charge for innovation and creativity. It’s a new world and a new way and we are here to give buyers a look at what’s up next in every realm. The industry has weathered the eye of the storm, and it’s gratifying to see people here motivated and geared up for success after the last two and a half years in a most challenging environment.”
 

See APRO's Las Vegas World Market photos here.

“We've been swarmed with dealers from all over,” said Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture, the largest furniture manufacturer in North America. “The dealers are coming in upbeat and we're writing good business. We think 2010 should be a pretty good year. Dealers like to come here to Las Vegas because the economics are good.”