Rent-to-own News - Franchisee opens second easyhome store in Arizona

Wichita, KS, September 27, 2010:  Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces franchisee, easyphoenix, LLC, has opened their second easyhome franchise store in Arizona in Glendale.  The store had their grand opening on September 25 at 5838 N. 43rd Ave. in the Fry’s Plaza Shopping Center.
 
easyphoenix, LLC is a relatively new partnership.

“The owners in easyphoenix are experienced and successful business people," Gates said.  "They have history in the rent-to-own business and bring sound business knowledge to the easyhome brand.  We are pleased to partner with them to bring the easyhome concept to Glendale.  While this is our second store in Arizona, this marks our 36th in the U.S. The easyhome concept is very successful and Steve Riedl, Vice President – Operations for easyphoenix, has put together an outstanding team led by Jon Miller, the Glendale Store Manager.”
 
Bud Gates was formerly Chairman and CEO at Rent-A-Center and THORN Americas, Inc.   easygates, LLC, was established in 2007 by Bud Gates to create a platform to develop both corporate and franchise stores in the U.S. $6 billon rent-to-own industry.

“We are excited to bring another easyhome brand to our 8th state and I look forward to bringing our unique service offering to the customers of Arizona as we have successfully done to date in all of our markets," David Ingram, President and CEO of easyhome Ltd. commented.
 
easygates, LLC through easyhome U.S. Ltd. has the exclusive rights to franchise or operate easyhome stores in the 36 states in the U.S., not bordering Canada. easyhome Ltd. (parent company of easyhome U.S. Ltd), is Canada’s largest merchandise leasing company and the third largest in North America, offering top quality, name brand household furnishings, appliances and electronics to consumers.

As of August 31, 2010, easyhome had 244 stores, including 204 Canadian corporate stores, 14 US corporate stores, 21 US franchised stores, 7 Canadian franchised stores and 1 licensed Canadian store.  easyhome is Canada’s largest merchandise leasing company and the third largest in North America.