 APRO: The Official Voice of the Rent to Own Industry
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More Rent-to-own News
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Rent-to-own Industry News Archives:
Rent-to-own News Archives from March 2010 TRIB Group gears up for annual convention; downloads available [March 12, 2010]
TRIB Group will turn up the heat at its annual convention and buy fair in two weeks, March 27- 31, when the rent to own industry's largest member-owned buying group kicks off five days of meetings, award ceremonies and spring buying.
Hosted in Dallas, Texas at the beautiful Hilton Anatole, and co-located with BrandSource, TRIB Group's event is open ...
PrimeTime! rebates up 20 percent [March 12, 2010]
Nationwide Marketing Group, the parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, announced that independent dealers cashed in on 20 percent more of instant rebate checks, over last year’s spring show, on products purchased at PrimeTime! held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last week.
In 2009, an excess of $12 Million in rebate checks were handed out to independent ...
Former Rentway CEO to head international business lender [March 12, 2010]
Opportunity International today announced the appointment of Bill Morgenstern as CEO, replacing Kadita "A.T." Tshibaka who has served as interim CEO since April 2009. Tshibaka will assist with the transition over the next month and return to his former role as a member of the Board of Directors of Opportunity International.
"We are tremendously grateful ...
Rent One silver anniversary is 'Rentastic' [March 12, 2010]
David Keen, employment development manager, and Mark Williams, VP of sales and marketing, at Rent One's silver anniversary managers meeting.
Rent One this week celebrated its 25th anniversary at the company's annual business meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where more than 100 managers, their families and vendor partners turned out.
To commemorate the historic achievement, Rent One will raffle ...
ColorTyme announces $30K giveaway winners [March 11, 2010]
Thirty ColorTyme customers recently cashed in as names were drawn for the $30K Giveaway, and countless others won in-store prizes.
Held in celebration of the company's 30th birthday, ColorTyme's $30K Giveaway gave customers a chance to win $1,000 along with instant prizes in local stores. Rent-to-own customers registered for the grand-prize drawings Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 at ...
Bryce Jewelry introduces 'Bridal Plus' package [March 11, 2010]
Bryce Jewelry rings in the new decade with an innovative bridal program that is a marriage of service and success.
The Bridal Plus package is the latest of Bryce’s creative marketing concepts designed to create a larger customer base with a lower investment. This compact program allows RTO dealers to benefit from a consistent and proven market – ...
DSI announces 2010 electronic expo dates [March 11, 2010]
DSI Systems' 2010 electronics expo tour will cover three states and again offer dealers their choice of four breakout sessions in addition to a general DSI presentation.
Toshiba, Mitsubishi, LG, Sharp, Monster, DIRECTV, and more will conduct the breakout sessions for small groups on specific products. Dealers will be able to ask questions directly to the vendors and receive ...
DSI Systems reduces rebate headaches for independent dealers [March 9, 2010]
DSI Systems understands the challenges to a dealer’s cash flow and profitability created by the complicated manufacturer consumer instant rebate programs that more and more manufacturers are utilizing to drive sales.
In response to those challenges, DSI developed a rebate claim process in 2009 that allows dealers to make their rebate reimbursement claim through DSI. This process allows ...
Rent One rolls out Harley, new store for 25th anniversary bash [March 9, 2010]
Murray Beck, Trent Agin, Col. Chris Lawson, Larry Carrico and Mark Williams at Rent One's 2010 managers meeting.
Rent One is celebrating its 25th anniversary today at the company's annual business meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where more than 100 managers, their families and vendor partners are expected.
To commemorate the historic achievement, Rent One will raffle off a ...
Revamped APRO University in session [March 9, 2010]
APRO's revised online rent to own training program is live.
The easier-to-use lower-cost APRO University online interface is currently offering APRO's original five training courses: Introduction to Rent-to-Own, Rental Delivery and Safety, Customer Satisfaction in Rent to Own, Communication in the Rent to Own Workplace and Account Management in Rent to Own.
These industry specific courses were redesigned to ...
D&H offers range of vendors for 2010 TRIB SHOW [March 8, 2010]
D&H has Grown its portfolio of offerings for the rent-to-own marketplace, covering items ranging from best-selling notebooks to small appliances, HDTVs and gaming equipment.
D&H Distributing, the major North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor, announces it is offering an expanded line of manufacturers and products to rent-to-own store owners and dealers in time for the ...
BrightHouse expands to Gaolgate Place [March 8, 2010]
BrightHouse, the U.K.'s leading rent to own chain, is continuing its expansion program with the opening of a new store in Gaolgate Place, Stafford. The new 3,400 sq ft store, which employs seven staff will have its Grand Opening on Saturday 6th March. To mark the occasion BrightHouse, will be hosting a family fun day to ...
ColorTyme manager inspires work through play [March 3, 2010]
Toby Littlejohn, ColorTyme championship belt winner.
With the recent economic turndown leaving employee satisfaction at a record low, finding a cost-effective way to motivate the workforce can be a challenge. Fortunately, Jim Aldridge, manager of ColorTyme in Gaffney, South Carolina, discovered a creative approach to recognizing top performers that has sparked much interest and conversation: The ColorTyme Route Manager’...
Aaron's 'Dream Machine' to honor Mitsubishi [March 3, 2010]
Aaron's named Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, its Vendor Partner of the Year for 2009 and will race a Mitsubishi-themed No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine in the company's honor.
The racecar, driven by Michael Waltrip Racing No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine driver David Reutimann, will make its on-track debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 7 for the Kobalt Tools ...
Blockbuster adds pseudo RTO program [March 3, 2010]
Blockbuster Video said Tuesday it would change its fee policy after reporting a loss of $435 million in the fourth quarter, providing for a rent to own option by default option, according to UPI.
The new policy changes a charge of $5 for a seven-day rental to a $5 fee for five days, after which customers will be charged ...
Premier's Cuthbertson earns community service award [March 2, 2010]
Premier dealer William Cuthbertson.
Clarksville Premier Rental-Purchase owner William Cuthbertson earned a special award for community service at the recent Premier Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.
An integral and respected part of the Clarksville, Tennessee community, Premier has been providing furniture, appliances and electronics with both retail and rent-to-own options since Cuthbertson opened as a franchisee in 2006.
Prior ...
RTO heavyweight makes retail inroads with "RAC Acceptance" program [March 2, 2010]
Keith Smith of Rent-A-Center, describes the RAC Acceptance program to single store retailer Mo Halawani of XOOM.
Rent to Own and retail are not strange bedfellows.
Rent to own literally rose from the ashes of a denied credit sale under the guidance of Ernie Talley in the 1960's. Many of today's most successful rent to own dealers began in ...
EPA Recognizes Nationwide with 2010 Excellence in Appliance Retailing Award [March 2, 2010]
NMG Executive Panel: Les Kirk, vice president, Ed Kelly, president and vice president Robert Weisner at a press conference Monday.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) with a 2010 Excellence in Appliance Retailing Award for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by marketing and promoting energy efficient products.
NMG Executive ...
Rent-A-Center, Washington AG reach agreement, avoid trial on collections case [March 1, 2010]
Rent-A-Center and the Washington State Attorney General's office late last week, reached an agreement on a case that was headed to trial March 23.
The Washington AG's Consumer Protection Division filed claims against Rent-A-Center in July 2009 asking King County Superior Court to declare Rent-A-Center's collection practices and rental contracts in violation of the state's Consumer Protection Act and ...
ColorTyme named AllStar Franchise for 2010 [March 1, 2010]
ColorTyme, the nation’s oldest rent-to-own franchisor, was chosen from more than 800 companies as a top business opportunity in the 2010 AllBusiness Allstar Franchises ranking.
Backed by analysis from parent company Dun & Bradstreet, AllBusiness.com’s ranking assesses the strengths of franchising companies based upon criteria including Web visibility and financial strength. The AllStar list of 300 ...
PrimeTime! goes live in Vegas [March 1, 2010]
Rental Dealers at RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! kickoff Sunday.
Close to 3,000 retail and rent to own dealers packed the convention center at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Sunday night for the kickoff of Nationwide Marketing Group's (NMG) PrimeTime! conference and buying show.
More than 3,300 are registered for the show -- the second highest attended Nationwide ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from February 2010 RentDirect Nationwide Show hits Vegas [February 28, 2010]
RentDirect Nationwide kicks off its PrimeTime! buying show and conference at MGM Grand in Las Vegas today where rent to own dealers from across the country will take part in unique educational and networking opportunities and peruse more than 150,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the latest products.
The conference -- which officially opens with a general ...
APRO Legislative Conference wraps 'day on the Hill' with networking reception [February 25, 2010]
L to R: Bill French, N.C. Rep. Virginia Foxx, David Kraemer, James MacAlpine.
APRO Legislative Conference attendees ended a full day of meetings with legislators at the event's annual networking reception and dinner Wednesday evening at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.
See photo gallery.
More than 120 conference attendees including rent ...
APRO conference 'tie auction' raises $7,500 for scholarship fund [February 24, 2010]
Tie auction winners (l to r): Jeannie Mendell, Scott Brown, Larry Sutton, Jamie Thompson, Jeff Loeb, Larry Carrico, Joe Gazzo, Charles Smithgall, Mamie Harper.
APRO Legislative Conference attendees loosened their ties after a full day of meetings with legislators at the event's annual networking reception and dinner Wednesday evening.
Then they sold them.
Jamie Slatton of Buddy's Home Furnishings ...
Job creation is focus of RTO legislative message [February 24, 2010]
Missouri Congressman William Lacy Clay addresses a diverse group of RTO professionals at APRO's Legislative Conference Tuesday.
Rent to own dealers, vendors and other industry professionals kicked off the first day of APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., united behind the message that rent to own legislation will spur economic recovery through job creation and business expansion.
...
Industry memories rekindled in new RTOHQ: The Magazine [February 24, 2010]
Introduction by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese,
“History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.”—Robert Penn Warren
Knowing and understanding the history of rent-to-own and the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations ...
RTO industry pros head to DC [February 23, 2010]
Rent to own industry professionals from across the country are making their way to APRO's 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference today at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. to kickoff the industry's legislative event of the year.
More than 100 rent to own dealers, employees and vendors are on hand for legislative updates and grassroots training this ...
Teletrack and eBureau develop new specialty credit tools [February 23, 2010]
Teletrack, Inc., an industry-leading provider of credit risk solutions for non-traditional lenders, and eBureau, an innovative provider of real-time predictive scoring and information solutions, today introduced a suite of credit scoring and other predictive models that are to become core components of Teletrack’s risk management solution offerings.
Teletrack chose to partner with eBureau because of their depth of ...
RNR re-designed site includes social networking [February 22, 2010]
At the 2010 RNR Custom Wheel and Tire Franchise Meeting held January 18 – 21, in Tampa, FL, RNR, one of the largest custom wheel and tire stores in the world, launched its newly re-designed website.
The site provides improved functionality and benefits to visitors and members, which include a simplified main menu with links to the most useful ...
Missouri dealers gain marketing insights at annual meeting [February 18, 2010]
Marketing specialist Kelly McDonald with MRDA President John Cleek Jr.
Around 85 Missouri Dealers representing some 20 different RTO companies kicked off the Missouri Rental Dealers Association annual meeting at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Columbia yesterday where they were treated to a birds eye view of marketing trends that will affect business decisions into the foreseeable future.
...
Tracking software nabs rent-to-own thief [February 18, 2010]
West Valley Police haven't arrested the thief just yet, but they know his name and information -- all because he looked himself up on Salt Lake County Jail's database, according to local news station Channel 5 KSL.com.
West Valley EZ Rent-to-Own Assistant Store Manager Cody Flippin said was helping someone else when the thief walked in Dec. 10. ...
Brennan introduces negative RTO bill in PA [February 17, 2010]
State Rep. Joe Brennan, D-Lehigh/Northampton, recently introduced legislation that would further regulate Pennsylvania rent-to-own centers, according to a statement released by Brennan's office today.
Pennsylvania is home to 257 rent-to-own stores that employ 1,542 employees.
The bill, H.B. 2247, was referred to Consumer Affairs Feb. 9.
"Since the rent-to-own industry began in the 1960s, their sales ...
APRO thanks legislative conference sponsors [February 17, 2010]
Rent-to-own industry professionals are gearing up for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference next week Feb. 23-25 in Washington, D.C.
The conference -- the single most important legislative event for rent to own dealers -- comes at a critical time when calls for industry regulation are still resounding on Capitol Hill.
APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference sponsors are integral to the ...
RAC Q4 2009 investor presentation available [February 17, 2010]
Rent-A-Center today released it's Q4 2009 investor presentation in pdf format.
Download here....
Aaron's Q4: same store revenues up 5.2 percent [February 16, 2010]
Aaron's, the nations largest rent to own franchise and second largest RTO company, today announced revenues and earnings for the three months and year ended December 31, 2009.
For the fourth quarter of 2009, revenues increased 10% to $446.3 million compared to $404.9 million for the fourth quarter in 2008. Net earnings from continuing operations increased 19% ...
MRDA hosts annual meeting tomorrow [February 16, 2010]
Missouri Dealers kick off annual meeting tomorrow at 8:55 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Columbia, Missouri and will feature industry and legislative updates followed by the Missouri Rental Dealers Annual Business Meeting.
MRDA President John Cleek Jr. expects around 100 attendees representing around 20 different RTO companies in the state.
Cleeks said boardmembers will review the ...
Reverend never 'tires' of preaching RTO gospel [February 16, 2010]
The Tampa Bay Business Journal recently featured "The Reverend of RTO”, Larry Sutton, and his now 10-year old company, RNR Custom Wheels and Tires as the subject of a piece titled, "A Rent-to-Own Keeps its Growth Rolling.
The article follows Sutton from owner of Champion Rent-to-Own, a company with nearly 150 stores offering furniture and appliances, before ...
Teletrack integrates Transunion Credit info [February 16, 2010]
Teletrack, an industry-leading provider of credit and fraud risk solutions for non-traditional lenders, has added access to TransUnion credit information and scores to its specialty credit platform for non-traditional credit grantors.
Integration with TransUnion allows Teletrack’s non-traditional consumer finance customers to access a single-source specialty credit platform with all of the relevant risk management solutions they need to ...
DATATrue 'connects' with kSoft and RTO Pro [February 16, 2010]
DATATrue is pleased to announce that it has successfully integrated its verification program with kSoft Corporation and RTO PRO.
Key Points:
DATATrue customers that also use kSoft or RTO Pro software can now access DATATrue automatically and when they enter a customer’s information on the kSoft or RTO Pro systems.
RTO Pro is a complete point of sale ...
RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! launches in two weeks [February 15, 2010]
RentDirect Nationwide is preparing for its PrimeTime! by Nationwide buying show and conference at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 28 – March 3.
The show will cover over 150,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the latest products from leading manufacturers. Dealers attending the show can also take advantage of exclusive offers including Cash Back ...
Press takes fresh look at RTO in Ohio [February 15, 2010]
The rent to own industry and it's appeal in the current economy was the topic of choice for the Columbus-Dispatch this weekend and featured interviews with a number of rent to own dealers in the area.
The mainstream daily newspaper with a Sunday circulation of more than 330,000, detailed the industry's improvements that have led to a 8 ...
Protect-A-Bed opens UK office [February 15, 2010]
Protect-A-Bed, a leading provider of bedding protection products with a presence in 27 countries, today announced its acquisition of London-based Shine Capital Europe LTD which distributes Protect-A-Bed products across Europe. The acquisition creates a formal corporate presence for Protect-A-Bed in Europe.
Simon Zamet, owner of Shine Capital Europe LTD, has been named CEO for Protect-A-Bed Europe. Protect-A-Bed Europe sells ...
Countryside employees brave winter weather for annual meeting [February 12, 2010]
Countryside Rent-2-Own President Mike Tissot with Diane Smalley, manager of the company's store of the year in Hillsboro.
It wasn’t the 8 inches of snow and high winds in the Ohio Valley that closed all 25 of Countryside Rentals’ RENT-2-OWN stores on Wednesday.
In fact, all of that blustery winter weather couldn’t keep the vast majority of ...
easygates opens two new stores [February 12, 2010]
Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces the opening of two new easyhome franchise stores. The second store in Arkansas opened on February 6 at 2070 John Harden Drive in the Jacksonville Plaza shopping center in Jacksonville, Arkansas and the second store in Missouri will open on February 13 at 139 N. Belt Highway in the Hy ...
InForm offers $59 Easter holiday promo [February 12, 2010]
Easter offers another opportunity to get customers in stores.
What better way than an “In-store promotional giveaway?”
Year round promotions are great traffic builders and they create in-store excitement, repeat business and generate customer good will.
Order your holiday promotion at least a month in advance, display it in your store, put up the advertising poster in your ...
Ashley Furniture to open 300 new franchise stores [February 10, 2010]
Ashley Furniture hopes to open 300 new lower-cost franchise stores this year, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune.
In the story, the Arcadia-based manufacturer says the stores will offer furniture at a single price -- for example, all sofas for $399, rugs for $99, or five-piece dining room sets for $399.
The store's president of sales, Kerry ...
Credit card use down [February 10, 2010]
Credit card usage is slowing, according to a USA Today report.
Revolving credit — largely made up of credit card debt — fell by nearly 20 percent in November, the largest drop on record, according to the Federal Reserve. The slowdown reflects less borrowing by consumers and tighter lending standards employed by banks.
Through October, the number of new ...
Kaye promoted to Benefit Marketing VP of sales [February 9, 2010]
David Kaye, new Benefit Marketing Solutions VP of sales and marketing.
Benefit Marketing Solutions, Inc. (BMS), the recognized leader in membership programs for the rent-to-own industry and other retail markets, today announced the promotion of David L. Kaye to Vice President—Sales and Marketing.
BMS is a subsidiary of Access Plans, a leading membership and insurance marketing company.
Kaye ...
DSI now features Panasonic Professional Displays [February 9, 2010]
DSI today announced Panasonic Professional Displays is now part of the company's product line.
Panasonic Professional Displays are perfectly suited for the needs of our Dealers serving the commercial installation market. Panasonic Professional Displays are designed for the demands of the commercial environment, featuring extensive configuration options for a wide range of specific applications. As the premier manufacturer of ...
Follow APRO on Twitter and Facebook [February 5, 2010]
Keep up to date on all the latest rent-to-own industry news and announcements on APRO's Twitter and Facebook pages.
Read previous Twitter posts here, then sign up and "follow" RTOHQ to receive regular updates via e-mail, smart phone application or text. You decide how you want to stay connected.
Get association updates on the go via your smartphone ...
Aaron's donates solar-powered electric systems to Haiti relief efforts [February 5, 2010]
Aaron's today is donating two solar-powered electric systems valued at $100,000 in support of Haiti relief efforts through ACORP, Aaron's Community Outreach Program.
Through ACORP, Aaron's associates have donated thousands of hours of associate time to community service projects in more than 1,700 cities across the U.S. and $6.8 million in goods and services donations.
...
ColorTyme manager enters Boston Marathon for children's hospital [February 5, 2010]
On April 19, Providence ColorTyme Store Manager Albert Coelho will be running for more than his health; he will be making a difference for thousands of children. Coelho will participate in the Boston Marathon, a 26.2-mile foot race, to raise money for Children’s Hospital Boston.
“I'm running for Children’s Hospital Boston because I believe so ...
Serta offers national RTO comforter giveaway [February 5, 2010]
We are very excited to announce Serta’s 1st Quarter 2010 National Marketing Event. Never before has a Mattress Manufacturer offered an event like this that gives rent-to-own dealers the opportunity to capitalize on a nationally advertised event in the mattress category.
Consumers who rent a Queen, Split Queen, King or Cal King size Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress Set ...
APRO, Ashley hospitality suite a hit [February 3, 2010]
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 ...
Artists Guild of America: Real art by real artists [February 2, 2010]
Ron Munoz shows off some art samples at Las Vegas Market.
For over 30 years the Artists Guild of America has been producing hand-painted art on canvas in company studios located in Los Angeles, California.
Each painting begins with a blank canvas and is painted and signed by studio artists who use genuine paints, heavy textures, gel, crackle, foils, ...
Progressive Furniture expands into hardwoods [February 2, 2010]
George Ramel, Mike France and Dan Kendrick of Progressive Furniture.
Progressive Furniture, a 25-year old North Carolina Furniture Company, recently expanded its offerings by producing a line of hardwood products manufactured in the company's Mexico plant. Progressive is exhibiting it's hardwood furniture at the Winter Las Vegas Market this week.
The hardwood products -- made from either Maple, Birch, ...
Coaster Fine Furniture RTO catalog released [February 2, 2010]
As an import distributor of fine home furnishings across all major residential categories, Coaster offers one of the largest selections of continually-warehoused merchandise from seven warehouses strategically located across the country.
And with Coaster's new 2010 "Rental Catalog", ordering just became that much easier.
Download catalog here.
Coaster's new "Rental Catalog" condenses all the furniture company's 3,...
New Majik RTO opens in Huntingdon, PA [February 2, 2010]
Huntingdon Mayor Dee Dee Brown, center left, helps cut the ribbon on the new Majik Rentals store in her city.
Lancaster-based Majik Rentals and Sales officially opened its fifth rent to own location in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania yesterday. The stores ribbon cutting ceremony was highlighted by a $4,000 contribution to a local charitable organization.
Majik, which first opened for ...
SLR International debuts at Vegas Market this week [February 2, 2010]
Joe Savovic, founder of SLR International.
SLR International, leather motion furniture specialist, debuts this week at the Winter Las Vegas Market in Building A, space 1054.
SLR International was founded in early 2008 by RTO industry veteran, Joe Savovic.
"It gives me great personal pleasure to once again serve a segment of friends spanning 25 years in the ...
Rent-A-Center reports Q4 2009 Results [February 1, 2010]
Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009.
Fourth Quarter 2009 Results:
Total revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 were $672.9 million, a decrease of $26.9 million from total revenues of $699.8 million for the same period in the prior year.
This ...
High Touch, RAC donate 40 computers to Kansas community organizations [February 1, 2010]
Rent-to-own software leader High Touch, today announced it is joining efforts with long-time business partner Rent-A-Center to donate 20 IBM computers each to Breakthrough and Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland.
The donation is being organized by High Touch, Inc., a 25-year-old Wichita technology solutions company. “Breakthrough and Girl Scouts give so much to the community, and we wanted ...
Inspector General warns TARP may not prevent another financial crisis [February 1, 2010]
The 2008 economic crises prompted unique opportunities for rent-to-own to promote its positive contribution to consumers.
The over extension of credit was one of the driving issues of the financial collapse leaving rent-to-own's credit-free transaction a more viable consumer option for many. The twice initiated Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) by the U.S. Congress was designed to infuse ...
Las Vegas Market opens today [February 1, 2010]
This week’s Winter Las Vegas Market, runs today through Feb. 5 presenting retailers, rent-to-own dealers and design professionals new tools, resources and business strategies to not only survive, but to thrive in a challenging home furnishings industry in 2010.
APRO will host a Hospitality Suite from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 2 sponsored by Ashley Furniture at the ...
Twin-Star customer appreciation night a hit [February 1, 2010]
LtoR: Scott Hancock of Buddy's ,Gidget Meaut and Craig Meau of Twin Star.
Twin-Star International, manufacturer of ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces and Tresanti Media and Wine Cabinets Sunday, hosted it's third annual customer appreciation event at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas on the eve of The Winter Las Vegas Market.
Over 450 retail and rent-to-own dealers and industry ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from January 2010 Las Vegas Market: There's an app for that [January 29, 2010]
Consistent with its out-of the-box innovative leadership, World Market Center Las Vegas, is launching a free, downloadable application to enhance the experience of those attending Winter Las Vegas Market, Feb. 1 – 5.
The first-of-its-kind interactive smartphone application designed specifically for the home furnishings industry provides attendees with quick and easy mobile access of exhibitors and events during Las ...
Rent-A-Center names Robert Brockman senior vice president of HR [January 29, 2010]
Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced the appointment of Robert Brockman to senior vice president of human resources. Reporting to Mitch Fadel, president and chief operating officer, Brockman succeeds Mel McCall, who retired in December.
Brockman's duties will include oversight of traditional human-resources responsibilities such as store and home-office staffing, training and development, compensation, benefits and payroll. ...
Waterbury ColorTyme remembers recent shooting victim [January 28, 2010]
ColorTyme’s Steve Dwyer never met John Frazier, but the teen’s tragic death in Waterbury, Connecticut, prompted a local rent-to-own franchise owner to get involved.
Taking to heart the company’s motto, “People Helping People”, Dwyer is collecting donations at ColorTyme in Frazier’s name and will match every dollar that the store raises through Feb. 6.
...
Rent to own part of new consumer diet [January 28, 2010]
As the recession continues, Americans are saving more, spending less, and rethinking middle-class living, according to a recent article by U.S. News and World Report.
Rent to own is mentioned as a part of the "rental rebound" section of the article as a timely alternative as the "ownership society" takes a backseat. The section is as ...
Joe Urena dies [January 27, 2010]
Joe Urena
Joe Urena passed away in Redlands, California on January 26. Urena was an associate of Marie May and was in sales for Rental Dealer News and Rentex in the 1990s and had many friends in the rent-to-own industry.
All services will be held at Todd Memorial Chapel at 570 North Garey Avenue Pomona, CA 91767 at the ...
Restonic gives bedding a new lease on rental life [January 26, 2010]
When it comes to re-renting bedroom sets, mattresses regularly prove more problematic than profitable.
With staining, transportation wear, cleaning costs and bug issues, rent to own dealers typically get seven to eight months -- about two an a half turns -- of life at best from a traditional mattress. Meanwhile the bedroom sets that house them need replacement mattresses ...
APRO Vendors: Booth rate deadline Feb. 1 [January 26, 2010]
Booth rates for APRO's Annual Convention and Trade Show will increase February 1st. The show is 70% sold out so don't delay. View your invitation to exhibit here.
APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show will celebrate the association's 30th anniversary in Louisville, Kentucky, July 19th - 22nd.
To view available booths Click Here or contact Cindy Ferguson at cferguson@rtohq....
Troy Aikman is new Rent-A-Center spokesman [January 26, 2010]
New RAC Spokesman Troy Aikman.
Rent-A-Center revealed today that Troy Aikman is the company’s new celebrity spokesperson. The well-known sports broadcaster, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, three-time Super Bowl champion and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be featured extensively in Rent-A-Center’s marketing efforts starting in February.
Rent-A-Center chose to team up with Troy Aikman ...
Consumer confidence climbs in January [January 26, 2010]
Consumer confidence in the overall economy rose in January to the highest level in seven months, according to the latest figures released today from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET (www.cnet.com).
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) rose to 172.9 this month, an increase of nearly eight points from last month. The ICE, which ...
Past APRO President joins Silko Radio [January 25, 2010]
APRO Past President Glenn Davis.
APRO past president Glenn Davis announced this week he is currently working as a Silko Radio Sales Representative. Davis will continue to head up the rental sales division of King Koil Mattresses.
Davis was president of APRO in 1985 and served as secretary for six years. He was one of the founding members of ...
Whirlpool provides online consumer tool for Cash for Appliances program [January 25, 2010]
Whirlpool Corporation continues its legacy of leadership in energy efficiency with the launch of an easy-to-use rebate finder tool on three of its brand Web sites – Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands. As a manufacturer and marketer of more than 300 ENERGY STAR qualified major appliances in the U.S. and Canada, Whirlpool Corporation created the tool to help ...
Premier Companies convene in Orlando [January 25, 2010]
The Premier Companies Annual 2010 Convention kicks off today at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida Jan. 25-28.
Premier attendees kick off the event with a round of golf beginning today at noon at a Greg Norman-designed world-class course located directly on the hotel grounds.
Throughout the week Premier Companies attendees -- which include rent-to-own furnishings franchise ...
BrightHouse opens new store in Gravesend [January 25, 2010]
BrightHouse the UK's leading rent to own chain, specialising in the sale of home electronics, domestic appliances and household furniture, is continuing its expansion programme with the opening of a new store in the Thamesgate centre in Gravesend.
The 2,500 sq ft store, which employs seven staff will have its Grand Opening on Saturday 30th January, to mark ...
High Touch, RSSS join forces for modernized POS software [January 22, 2010]
Citing client needs, technology advancements and rent-to-own industry shifts, High Touch announced today a high-speed initiative to develop and implement a new single modernized system.
The initiative, a joint effort between High Touch and its subsidiary RSSS, will be accompanied by organic change at both organizations, said Wayne Chambers, High Touch CEO/president.
“RTO is the foundation on which ...
Baber's expands Rent-N-Roll store reach [January 22, 2010]
Cynthia Baber-Strunk and Shannon Strunk of Baber’s today expanded their RNR Franchise with the purchase of two Rent-n-Roll stores in Gulfport, Mississippi and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The stores were purchased from industry veteran Wayne Sutton.
The new locations bring the number of stores Baber’s operates to 59 (eight Rent-N-Rolls; 51 Baber's) and Baber’s now becomes the ...
PrimeTime! vendor listings now available [January 22, 2010]
Updated Vendor Listing and Show Floor Maps are now available for the upcoming Nationwide RentDirect Show at MGM Las Vegas Feb. 28-March 3.
See vendors here.
PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), the largest buying show for independent rental dealers, is expecting a solid attendance at their upcoming event judging by impressive registration numbers.
“We are very pleased ...
TRIB Group annual convention hosts closing event at Cowboy's Stadium [January 22, 2010]
TRIB Group’s annual Convention and Buy Fair, co-located with Brand Source is set for March 27-31, 2010.
Hosted in Dallas, Texas at the Hilton Anatole, TRIB Group hosts a 5-day event open to all its members and approved vendors. The convention includes membership meetings, over 11 hours of buying time, the HotShow—a signature rapid-fire buying event, board ...
DATATrue auto payment tool lowers returns, cuts costs [January 22, 2010]
Recessionary factors continue to draw new customers to the rent-to-own transaction while at the same time it is creating new challenges for traditional RTO customers.
Information verification specialist DATATrue's automated EFT/ACH payment program is one that can help customers stay on top of their regular payments, circumvent returns and save time and money for all parties.
Bill Wendell of ...
TARA 2010 Convention date set [January 21, 2010]
The Texas Association of Rental Agencies today released the convention dates for TARA's 27th Annual Convention & Southwest Buying Show.
The event will be held Oct. 10-11, 2010 at the Hotel InterContinental-Dallas.
For more details visit TARA's homepage at http://www.taraontheweb.com/ or contact Scott Pospisil, Executive Director Texas Association of Rental Agencies at 512/477-1991 or 512/917-8550....
RNR honors franchisee of the year, company best at annual awards banquet [January 21, 2010]
RNR Franchisee of Year: RNR of Virginia. (L to R) Jeff Loeb, Larry Sutton, Ron Russell and Richard Rose.
RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires Wednesday, named RNR of Virginia its franchisee of the year at the company's annual awards banquet honoring high performing stores, managers and franchisees.
RNR of Virginia -- owned by Richard Rose, Jeff Loeb and ...
Briley sells three stores to Aaron's corporate [January 20, 2010]
Robert Briley
West Texas Aaron's franchisee Robert Briley, today reported he has finalized the sale of three of his Aaron's Sales and Lease franchise stores to Aaron's corporate.
Briley told RTO Today he sold his Mineral Wells, Eastland and Sweetwater stores to Aaron's corporate. He also sold the buildings and land for the Mineral Wells and Sweetwater stores to ...
Business to Business names Aaron's "Company of the Year" [January 20, 2010]
Atlanta's Business to Business recently named Aaron's, Inc. its 2010 "Company of the Year" as part of the magazine's annual achievement awards selections, which recognize the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Atlanta's great business leaders and companies.
Ambassador Andrew Young will present the award to Aaron's at an awards ceremony tonight at 6:30 at the Atlanta History Center. ...
ColorTyme names Hughes 2009 franchisee of the year [January 19, 2010]
Gary and Jutta Hughes of the Hughes Group win ColorTyme's "Franchisee of the Year" Award winners. ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom at right.
ColorTyme franchise owners Gary and Jutta Hughes of the Hughes Group, took home the company's top honor for the fifth time Tuesday, when they were received ColorTyme's 2009 Franchisee of the Year Award -- the "...
RNR 2010: Cultural shift drives after-market wheel demand [January 19, 2010]
The RNR Custom Wheels and Performance tires kicked off it's annual franchisee meeting beginning with a golf tournament Monday and continuing with a welcome reception sponsored by American Tire Distributors and Benefit Marketing Solutions.
A general session commenced today at the Hilton Westshore in Tampa, Florida, that included a favorable prognosis for the after market wheel and tire market.
...
46 states in legislative session for 2010 [January 19, 2010]
The beginning of the year means the beginning of state legislative sessions. All businesses need to take note when legislators are in session as the many bills introduced could have consequences to your business and employees. It is estimated that more than 125,000 bills will be introduced in 2010 not including the U.S. Congress and Washington, D....
Shaw is ColorTyme top manager [January 18, 2010]
L to R: Franchise owners Gary Hughes and Peter Landretti, Double Diamond Manager Mark Shaw and ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom.
Mark Shaw took home ColorTyme's top store manager honor for the sixth year in a row Monday, at the company's annual 2010 convention at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas.
Shaw, who manages a ColorTyme in Waipahu, Hawaii, was ...
APRO Scholarship Winner is a grade above the rest [January 18, 2010]
Robin Walker. Click to watch video of 2009 APRO Scholarship Winner.
Robin Walker made the grades. Literally. As a the 2009 APRO Scholarship recipient, Walker must complete the semester with a 3.0 grade point average or better to receive the full amount of $2000 APRO scholarship. Walker completed the first semester of her Sophomore year at Ole Miss ...
Rent-A-Center assists Texas crisis center [January 15, 2010]
With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, the FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center will be able to better serve local families and individuals in crisis. Rent-A-Center is donating eight HP computers and additional support for the center.
Founded in 1977, FamilyTime’s mission is to provide an outreach program and accessible services to families and individuals ...
Aaron's Q4 conference call Feb. 16 [January 14, 2010]
Aaron’s, Inc. will hold a live conference call at 5 p.m. (EST) Feb. 16, to discuss the company's fourth quarter 2009 earnings results.
Aaron's Chairman Charlie Loudermilk, President/CEO Robin Loudermilk, COO Ken Butler, and Executive Vice President/CFO Gil Danielson will provide opening remarks and participate in a Q & A.
For those wishing to participate, Dial 800/357-0498 ...
Credit bureaus mine more personal data as credit card regs tighten [January 13, 2010]
Beginning in February, personal income—as estimated by the three credit bureaus—may be used to help determine new credit card approvals, according to the Wall Street Journal. The move marks a new era of tightened lending and increased regulations on consumer credit.
As a result, more consumers could be shut out of the credit picture, making alternative financing ...
Rent-A-Center live Q4 conference call February 2 [January 13, 2010]
Rent-A-Center will hold a conference call to discuss the company's fourth quarter 2009 earnings results at 10:45 a.m. (ET) Feb. 2.
Read more....
Aaron's "Mini" giveaway makes one "Big" surprise [January 12, 2010]
Cynthia Norlin (left) receives the keys to her new Mini Cooper.
Aaron's today announced that Cynthia Norlin of Glendale, Arizona, is the grand prize winner of a brand new 2010 Mini Cooper in the Aaron's Mini Cooper Sweepstakes.
The sweepstakes, a co-promotion with Hewlett Packard (HP) that ran from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, was held at Aaron's locations ...
RNR 2010 Franchisee Meeting Preview [January 12, 2010]
RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires -- the country's largest custom wheel and tire rental chain -- hosts its sixth annual franchisee meeting at the Hilton Westshore in Tampa, Florida Jan. 18-21.
Around 100 franchisees, managers and vendors are expected at the RNR Meeting which will kick off with a Golf Tournament Jan. 18.
Over the following days the ...
Inform lauches new Web site [January 12, 2010]
InForm Print & Promotions, a company with over 30 years in the rent to own industry, today announced the debut of the company's re-designed website www.shopinform.com.
"The web has become a much more effective tool for us to communicate with and display products for our customers over the past few years. With that in mind we ...
Legislative Conference Hotel Deadline Approaching: Make reservations today! [January 12, 2010]
The hotel deadline for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference is in 10 days. Have you made your hotel reservation? Reserve your room now by calling the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel at 202/484-1000 and request the APRO room rate of $249 single/double.
Early conference registration is critical for congressional meeting coordination and event planning throughout the conference. Register today online or contact ...
BrightHouse 2009 holiday revenue up 21% [January 11, 2010]
BrightHouse, the UK’s largest rent-to-own company, today announced a 21 percent revenue increase in its trading update for the 13 weeks to 24 December 2009.
Trading performance in the period has shown continued revenue growth from both new and existing stores.
Highlights:
Revenue up 21% to £50.5m ($81.7 million); 2008: £41.7 million ($67....
RTO vet Lowe joins FAN Sales & Leasing as Executive VP [January 8, 2010]
Sam Lowe, new executive vice president for FAN Sales and Leasing.
Sam Lowe, a 20-year plus veteran of the rental purchase industry, officially takes the helm today as executive vice president of Furniture and Appliances Now (FAN) Sales & Leasing. He will be responsible for all operational activities including sales, marketing and human resources.
Lowe has spent the majority ...
RAC boardmember Roberts elected to chair North Texas health care system [January 8, 2010]
Texas Health Resources’ board of trustees recently elected two high-profile North Texas business executives — Leonard H. Roberts and Kerney Laday Sr. — to serve two-year terms on setting the strategic direction for the largest health care system in North Texas, according to the Dallas Business Journal.
Roberts, who serves on the boards of Plano-based Rent-A-Center and J.C. ...
Aaron's to celebrate BCS National Championship Winner [January 7, 2010]
Aaron's is already a winner when it comes to this year's BCS National Championship football game between the University of Alabama and the University of Texas. As a corporate sponsor of both universities' athletic programs, Aaron's is guaranteed a victory no matter which team wins tonight's game and will create a celebratory race program for the winning school that ...
Personal, professional growth highlight ColorTyme 2010 Convention [January 7, 2010]
ColorTyme kicks off it's 2010 annual convention in just under two weeks at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas Jan. 18-20, where the rent-to-own industry's oldest rent-to-own franchisor will rally the troops for a week of networking, training, inspiration and good old fashioned fun.
Already over 250 rent-to-own franchisees, managers and vendors have signed up for the convention and ...
CE to grow in 2010, according to CEA forecast [January 7, 2010]
The consumer electronics (CE) industry will generate more than $165 billion in U.S. shipment revenues this year, a slight increase from 2009, according to the semi-annual industry forecast released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro announced the forecast in his opening remarks at the 2010 International CES, the world's largest consumer ...
Whirlpool account managers achieve certified green professional designations from NAHB [January 7, 2010]
Whirlpool Corporation recently announced that Sue Reed, senior account manager Florida Contract Sales, and Mark Peterson, senior account manager Southern States Contract Sales, have earned Certified Green Professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The CGP distinction recognizes Reed and Peterson as building industry professionals with knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building ...
DBL Distributing combined with new CE division [January 6, 2010]
Ingram Micro Inc., the world's largest technology distributor, today announced it will begin transitioning DBL Distributing into a formal division known as the Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division.
Founded upon the same product line card, expert people and high quality service, the new Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division will build upon DBL's comprehensive mix of over 20,000 products ...
Specialty Electronics Nationwide announces partnership with CEDIA [January 5, 2010]
Specialty Electronics Nationwide (SEN) the buying group, today unveiled details of its educational partnership with the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).
SEN announced that CEDIA is co-sponsoring two free instructional seminars at the SENationwide PrimeTime! and CashBack Now! event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, February 28 - March 3, 2010. These two seminars are featured ...
LG unveils HDTVs with 'Skype' capability [January 5, 2010]
LG Electronics and Skype today announced that LG’s 2010 HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access will feature embedded Skype software allowing Skype users to make voice and high-definition video calls directly from their family room without a PC.
Skype on the new LG HDTVs will be demonstrated this week at the International Consumer Electronics Show (Central Hall Booth #8205).
...
APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference Hotel Registration Deadline: Jan. 22 [January 4, 2010]
The hotel deadline for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference is January 22. Reserve your room today by calling the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel at 202/484-1000 and request the APRO room rate of $249 single/double.
Early conference registration is critical for congressional meeting coordination and event planning throughout the conference. Please take a moment to register today online or contact Jeannie Hutchison ...
BrightHouse partners for child protection in UK [January 4, 2010]
Leo McKee, BrightHouse CEO (far left) with Giles Pegram, Director of Fundraising NSPCC (far right).
BrightHouse, the UK's largest rent-to-own company, today announced a new partnership with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) -- a national charity focused on ending child abuse.
Brighthouse will help fundraise for the charity and will carry posters and ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from December 2009 Premier opens new Memphis store [December 31, 2009]
Premier Rental-Purchase dealers Chuck Botts and Bart Stamper have teamed up with former Aaron’s regional manager Fred Reed to open the newest Premier store in Memphis. They celebrated their opening in a big way with over 200 agreements in their first weeks in business.
“We came in at the right time,” says Botts, a 10-year industry ...
LG introduces first mobile DTV in U.S. [December 31, 2009]
Newly-certified to comply with mobile digital television (DTV) technology now being deployed by American broadcasters, LG Electronics is introducing the industry’s first portable, battery-operated mobile DTV in the United States, designed to receive new rugged over-the-air signals being transmitted by local broadcasters. With hundreds of stations expected to sign on the air using the newly-minted technology in 2010 ...
Synnex corporation announces agreement to acquire video game distributor [December 23, 2009]
SYNNEX Corporation, a leading business process services company, announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the North American assets of Jack of All Games, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
The acquisition of Jack of All Games provides SYNNEX with an established distribution footprint in video game hardware and ...
National TV Sales donates 10,000 lbs of food to needy Missouri families [December 22, 2009]
When Lebanon, Missouri-based National TV Sales and Rental owner Kathy Windsor read what a heavy toll the economy was taking on a local holiday food drive, the wheels began to turn.
She "got the Rolodex to workin", started making phone calls to wholesale grocers and in a matter of just five days, her company purchased 10,000 pounds ...
New RTOHQ: The Magazine focuses on the 'states of rent-to-own' [December 22, 2009]
Introduction by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese,
This issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine focuses on how state rental dealer associations contribute to the general health of the rent-to-own industry and provide vital information and networking opportunities to its members so that they can better operate and manage their companies and stores.
While we wish we had the space to ...
InForm introduces new 'Tax Preparation' postcard [December 21, 2009]
Let customers know about your company's new tax preparation service with Inform's new effective and inexpensive "Tax Preparation" postcard mailing.
InForm recently added a new addition to it’s line of stock postcards. The full color 4 X 6 "Tax Preparation" postcard is available with full color printing on the front and blank on the back, as ...
Register and make hotel reservations for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference [December 18, 2009]
Register today for APRO’s 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference set forFebruary 23-25 in Washington, D.C., at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Make your hotel reservations by calling 202/484-1000 and request the APRO room rate of $249 single/double.
After 17 years of representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, APRO's annual legislative conference is the legislative event ...
Entrepreneur ranks RNR Custom Wheels and Tires #1 in category [December 17, 2009]
Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 ranks RNR Custom Wheels & Tires -- the country's largest custom wheel and tire rental franchise -- tops in the Miscellaneous Auto Products category for 2009.
RNR's #1 ranking appears in the January 2010 issue.
Larry Sutton, RNR president and longtime member of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO), said the ranking is ...
New Live Oak Rent-A-Center donates to local charities [December 17, 2009]
Rent-A-Center District Manager Kris Wolfe, Winona Edwards, Love, Inc. executive director and Rent-A-Center Manager Jeff Jones.
Rent-A-Center Manager Jeff Jones is pleased to offer Live Oak and the surrounding communities a new option when it comes to acquiring ownership of high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers.
“From bedroom sets to washers and dryers, we’re going to help ...
Brothers Moody open Premier Rental-Purchase store in Tuscaloosa. [December 17, 2009]
Brothers Chad and Jeffery Moody opened their second Premier Rental-Purchase store recently – this one in Tuscaloosa, Al. It was always part of the plan to open another store since they debuted in Columbus, Miss. in mid 2008, but according to Jeffery, it just happened faster than they had anticipated.
“We always intended to open a second store ...
Rent-2-Own stores spread charity around Ohio [December 16, 2009]
Everyone at Countryside Rent-2-Own expected a big number. But this year, that number was 43 percent larger than what company president Mike Tissot expected.
And when he’s surprised, it's bound to be big.
For several years, Bainbridge, Ohio-based Countryside Rent-2-Own stores have selected a week in December during which a percentage of deliveries or growth in potential rent ...
'Cash for Appliances' money begins flowing to states [December 16, 2009]
The U.S. Department Of Energy last week began releasing some $300 million promised to states as part of the federal government's Appliance Stimulus Rebate effort, aimed at spurring sagging appliance sales and promoting the use of more energy efficient appliances.
Similar to the "cash for clunkers" program, the "Cash for Appliances" rebate program is part of ...
Oklahoma dealer seeks county commissioner post [December 15, 2009]
Jim Rogers, 50, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma is running for district 3 county commissioner of Sequoyah County.
The position is now held by Mike Huff who defeated Rogers by 13 votes in 2006 and has indicated he will seek a second term.
"We have an abundance of potential here," said Rogers, owner of Gem's Rent-to-Own. "Sometimes it's ...
BlackBox GPS encourages 'going green' initiative [December 14, 2009]
BlackBox GPSis committed to implementing 'green'initiatives and recognizes its GPS fleet monitoring solutionsproductsforthe RTO industry helpimplement environmentally sustainable practices too.
"We recognize that with each seemingly small stepeach business leadertakes toward environmental sustainability," said Robin Standlee, CEO at Blackbox GPS, "together weare making asignificant positive impact for this and future generations. In the not-so-distant past, implementing ...
RTO makes appearance on Christmas retail survey [December 14, 2009]
Rent-to-own this weekend, made its first appearance on an annual holiday survey that targets retail shopping habits in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The annual study carried out each weekend in December by consumer research expert Britt Beemer, CEO of America's Research Group (ARG), and UBS Global Equity Research, surveyed 1,001 adults this weekend. The data points ...
Most RTOs not covered by GLB privacy regs [December 11, 2009]
Ed Winn III, APRO legal counsel.
Most Rent-to-own industry dealers are not covered by the Graham-Leach-Bliley Act, which took effect in 2001, for two primary reasons according to APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III.
The first reason is that rental purchase dealers, as a rule, "operate, maintain, or repair" the property that they rent. The second is that ...
November retail sales fuel recovery hopes [December 11, 2009]
Retail sales in November breathed life into forecasts of an economy on the mend, rising more than expected in November, boosting hopes that consumer spending will support the fragile economic recovery, according to the AP.
The government's report came as a surprise to the nation's retailers who have been reporting generally lackluster results for the start of the holiday ...
Rent-A-Center pitches in for Missouri homeless shelter [December 10, 2009]
With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, City Union Mission in Kansas City will be able to better serve local poverty stricken and homeless men, women and children.
Rent-A-Center is donating: 10 computer monitors, washer, dryer, 42” monitor, Blu-ray Home theater system, chair/twin sleeper, laptop computer and two media cabinets.
Since 1924, City Union Mission has ...
Rent-A-Center furnishes homes for New Orleans "Katrina" families [December 9, 2009]
A mere four years ago, New Orleans, and indeed much of the Gulf Coast, was crushed in the maw of Hurricane Katrina.
Today, five families are returning to New Orleans to rebuilt homes furnished by Rent-A-Center through its Random Acts of Caring initiative.
Rebuilt by the St. Bernard Project (SBP) after their destruction by Hurricane Katrina, Rent-A-Center is furnishing ...
Retail customer satisfaction tanks [December 8, 2009]
A new study released today by The SALT & Pepper Group finds that retailers’ customer service leaves much to be desired. In fact the new study pegs service at only 48.2 out of 100. The new stats show a marked discrepancy between the relatively low customer service ratings in retail versus the high customer service ratings surveyed among ...
National TV Sales honors outstanding employees [December 8, 2009]
Award winners at the National TV Sales and Rental Christmas party this weekend.
National TV Sales and Rental this Saturday held its annual employee Christmas party and awards banquet at Andy's 417 in Lebanon, Missouri where 12 of the company's top employees were honored.
Taking home the top honor was National TV Sales and Rental 2009 Employee of the ...
RTO Pro Software launches new Web site [December 8, 2009]
RTO Pro Software, the rent to own industry's leading Windows-based management system serving over 900 RTO locations, announces the debut of the company's re-designed website www.rtopro.com.
"With the addition of so many new RTO Locations over the past several months, the time was right to update the RTO Pro Website to be as
professional as the ...
Rent-A-Center promotes new planning and development Sr. VP [December 8, 2009]
Joel Mussat, new Sr. Vice President of Strategic Planning and Development.
Rent-A-Center today announced the promotion of Joel Mussat to Sr. Vice President – Strategic Planning and Development.
His new expanded responsibilities will include business development – new business, acquisitions and program management – in addition to his current strategic planning responsibilities. Mussat, who has been with Rent-A-Center for ...
Weekend sales foretell bleak holiday retail season, study asserts [December 7, 2009]
Britt Beemer, CEO of America's Research Group
A new Christmas Retail Survey released today by America's Research Group (ARG) and UBS Global Equity Research reveals that sales are weaker this year than in 2008 contrary to some forecasts of an improved holiday shopping season.
Of those consumers not shopping, an overwhelming 95.1 percent said they will wait until ...
RTO supporter former U.S. Sen. Paula Hawkins dies at 82 [December 7, 2009]
Former Sen. Paula Hawkins
U.S. Sen. Paula Hawkins, the sponsor of the original rent-to-own bill in 1982 and first female U.S. senator from Florida, died last week at Florida Hospital South in Orlando.
Though included as part of a larger piece of bank legislation, the RTO bill Hawkins sponsored was the only one to ever to pass ...
Study: Word of mouth guides electronics, apparel purchases [December 7, 2009]
Retailers will spend millions of dollars on advertising this holiday season, but many shoppers won’t commit to buying some gifts until hearing from people just like them that it’s worth it. According to a Retail Advertising and Marketing Association survey conducted by BIGresearch, word of mouth remains the biggest influence in people’s electronics (43.7%) and ...
Third easyhome opens in Oklahoma [December 4, 2009]
Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces the opening of a new easyhome franchise store. The store will open on December 5, 2009 at 916 W. Shawnee in the River City Plaza Shopping Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
“We are thrilled to bring the easyhome concept to Muskogee," Gates said. "While this is our first ...
Aaron's associates help company 'go green' [December 4, 2009]
Aaron's next week will further propel its new 'Going Green Initiative' by picking the best entries from 100's of conservation minded ideas submitted by company associates.
The generator of the selected idea, or ideas -- if more than one is deemed doable by COO Ken Butler -- wins $100. The environment however, as well as the company as a ...
Economic recovery gaining traction [December 4, 2009]
The economic recovery gained momentum in late fall as shoppers spent more and factories bumped up production. That assessment by the Federal Reserve Wednesday marked its most positive view on the economy since it toppled into recession two years ago.
The Fed's new nationwide assessment found that conditions have improved since the last report in late October.
Boston, New ...
RTO Conventions abound in January [December 3, 2009]
Three of rent-to-own's biggest franchise companies -- ColorTyme, RNR Custom Wheels and Tires and Premier -- will ring in the new year with annual conventions and business meetings in January.
The run of events begins with the ColorTyme 2010 National Convention at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas Jan. 17-20.
The event, which includes a Dallas Stars Hockey Game ...
RNR teams up with Toys for Tots [December 3, 2009]
RNR Custom Wheels & Tires teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve over the last few weeks to help thousands of underprivileged Florida children have a brighter holiday season with the Toys for Tots collection program which continues through December 19.
RNR is in the gift giving spirit as well, for each toy donation received at one ...
D&H rewards program unveiled [December 2, 2009]
D&H Distributing today invites its RTO store owner and dealer customers to participate in the D&H Incentives program, a rewards plan in which dealers gain points toward merchandise available at the D&H online Incentives “mall.”
Enrolled dealers earn one point for every $10 of qualifying purchases. Points can be redeemed for prizes such as ...
Whirlpool named "Vendor of the Year" by Bath and Kitchen Buying Group [December 2, 2009]
Whirlpool was recently recognized with the “Vendor of the Year” award from the Bath & Kitchen Buying Group (BKBG) at its annual Fall Conference in Dallas, Texas.
“This award recognizes Whirlpool Corporation for a job well done,” said Eddie Schukar, vice president of vendor relations. “The company brings a level of quality and professionalism that ...
Rent-A-Center presents at investor conference tomorrow [December 2, 2009]
Rent-A-Center will present at the Raymond James Boston Fall Investors Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday, December 3. The company will begin its presentation at 2:30 pm ET that day.
Interested parties may listen to the presentation on the company’s Investor Services site at http://investor.rentacenter.com.
Raymond James & Associates Equity Capital Markets holds multiple conferences each ...
Registration open for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference [December 1, 2009]
Registration is now open for APRO’s 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference set forFebruary 23-25 in Washington, D.C., at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Attendees should request the APRO room rate of $249/night single/double 202/484-1000.
After 17 years of representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, APRO's annual legislative conference is the legislative event of the year. ...
Highest pending home sales since March 2006 [December 1, 2009]
October pending homes sales rose for the ninth straight month and hit their highest levels since March 2006, according to data released today by the National Association of Realtors.
October pending home sales were up 3.7 percent in October, compared to September, and up 32 percent versus October 2008--the biggest annual increase in history. Remember, though, October 2008 ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from November 2009 Two RNR stores sold to Rent-A-Tire [November 30, 2009]
Two Georgia Rent-N-Roll Custom Wheel and Tire stores will officially become Rent-A-Tire stores at midnight as the details of the sale are finalized.
RNR Franchisee Mike Gilner of H2H Enterprises -- said the sale of the two RNR stores -- in Macon and Columbus -- will better allow him to focus on his remaining two RNR stores in Riverdale, ...
ColorTyme store helps feed local families at Thanksgiving [November 25, 2009]
On Tuesday, the ColorTyme store in Waterbury partnered with the Youth Service System (YSS) to provide local families with meals, including frozen turkeys, for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
The YSS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the overall well being of children, youth and families.
“The Waterbury YSS called me, asked me to host the event and ...
Confidence in consumer electronics soars [November 24, 2009]
Consumer confidence in consumer electronics reached the highest level in the history of the CEA-CNET Index, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET.
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) reached 93.5, the highest level of the index since tracking began in January 2007. The ICTE, which measures consumer expectations about ...
Registration Opens for PrimeTime! Buying Show and Conference [November 24, 2009]
Nationwide Marketing Group announced today that online registration (www.nationwideprimetime.com) is now open for their upcoming PrimeTime! buying show and conference at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 28 – March 3, 2010.
“The retail market and consumer profile has changed dramatically over the last few years,” said Robert Weisner, Executive Vice ...
Rent-A-Center opens 43rd Oklahoma store, contributes $2K in community grants [November 23, 2009]
Rent-A-Center Manager David Testerman is pleased to offer Tahlequah and the surrounding communities a new option when it comes to acquiring ownership of high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers.
“From bedroom sets to washers and dryers, we’re going to help people find what they need and a payment option that works for them,” says Testerman, who ...
Second easyhome opens in Wichita [November 20, 2009]
Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC, announces the opening of the second Wichita easyhome store. The store will open at 407 E. Pawnee (Pawnee and Broadway) on November 21, 2009.
Mr. Gates stated: “This will be our second easyhome store in Wichita, KS and the 27th in the United States. Despite difficult economic conditions, our first ...
Rent-A-Center donations benefit MPowering Kids and the Littig House Community Center [November 20, 2009]
Rent-A-Center representatives make donation to local programs.
Rent-A-Center helped brighten the day for area youth and their families who participate in programs provided by MPowering Kids and the Littig House Community Center in New York.
Representatives from Rent-A-Center stores from the area delivered eight new computers and a $1,300 check to the MPowering Kids programs; and presented a ...
Rent-A-Center outfits substance abuse headquarters in Long Island [November 20, 2009]
Rent-A-Center staff present contribution to Long Island non-profit.
Representatives from Rent-A-Center stores in Suffolk County delivered and assembled $6,000 in electronics and furniture to the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) for the organization’s new office in Suffolk County (Ronkonkoma) which will now serve more area teens and families in need.
The donation is ...
DKD job training program to help 'wire' southern Illinois [November 20, 2009]
The Congressman Danny K. Davis Job Training Program -- based in Chicago -- and The Digital Development Corporation, this week announced a collaboration with four technology companies and three southern Illinois towns to implement a three tier project that would create jobs, deploy broadband Internet and train community residents for ‘high end’ technology jobs.
Working to deploy broadband ...
Premier 2010 annual convention set for Orlando, January 25-27 [November 19, 2009]
The Premier Companies announced its 2010 Annual Dealer Convention will be in Orlando, Fla. from January 25-27 at the JW Marriott Grand Lakes. With the theme of “Celebrating Excellence,” Premier’s Executive Team is making plans for a “bigger than ever” event, with expected attendance to be over 200 dealers, families, vendors and guests.
“We ...
Senate health care bill introduced [November 19, 2009]
Democratic Senate majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Wednesday unveiled his party's proposal for overhauling the health care system, outlining legislation Democrats say would cover most of the uninsured while reducing the federal budget deficit. The impact the proposed legislation would have on small businesses differs from the House version of the bill introduced last week.
Reid said at ...
Whirlpool issues global sustainability report [November 18, 2009]
Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, today announced the release of the company’s first global, comprehensive sustainability report. The report provides an overview of the company’s efforts to make a sustainable difference in the world.
The company also produces an annual report and, for the first time, is making a detailed ...
RAC names Feiler new VP of development [November 18, 2009]
Trey Feiler, Rent-A-Center's new vice president of development.
Rent-A-Center today announced the appointment of Trey Feiler to vice president of development.
Reporting to Dave West, executive vice president of operational services, Feiler is charged with administration of the Company’s real estate, construction and facilities departments.
“In his new position, Feiler will develop all-new facilities while managing existing ...
Study: Holiday shoppers will use cash, debit cards, less credit [November 17, 2009]
It’s the year for a little more green and a little less plastic, according to NRF’s 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey.
Conducted by BIGresearch, the study found one-fourth (24.9%) of holiday shoppers will pay for gifts this year with cash, a 9.1 percent increase from last year’s 22.8 percent.
In addition, ...
DAC Products announce point of sale counter system [November 17, 2009]
DAC Products, a leading manufacturer of retail merchandising fixtures, today announced it has developed a system to give RTO stores an easy, customizable, upscale, and cost effective cash wrap option.
DAC's new modular point of sale counters allow unlimited possibilities in configuring a layout for your unique space.
“We are tuned in to today’s RTO and retail ...
Auto sales drive positive retail numbers; furniture, appliance sales down [November 16, 2009]
Retail sales rose more than expected in October, pushed largely by a marked rebound in auto sales. However, take out the influence of car purchases and the numbers are far less promising.
Sales fell at many other retail stores as consumer spending continues to remain reserved, raising questions about the durability of the recovery, according to stats released today ...
Aaron's awards grand prize in national contest [November 16, 2009]
Aaron's Inc. recently surprised Ruth Usher, the grand prize winner of Aaron's National Lucky Dog Day Sweepstakes in Perry, Georgia with a houseful of furniture, name-brand appliances and electronics valued at $14,000.
Watch the video here http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/shopaarons/41191/
"Aaron's strongly believes in giving back to our customers, especially during difficult economic times," said Robin Loudermilk, ...
DATATrue assigns full time RTO training head [November 12, 2009]
Katherine Rowse
DATATrue recently announced the addition of a corporate trainer dedicated specifically to the RTO industry. Katherine Rowse has been assigned to the RTO training division in support of the much needed demand for new employee training on the DATATrue product line and interpretation of response packages.
It is clearly apparent the challenge that many dealers face when ...
BrightHouse reaches 190 stores [November 12, 2009]
BrightHouse store 190 in Consett.
BrightHouse, the UK's leading and largest rent-to-own retailer this week opened its 190th store in Consett, County Durham.
"Consett is our thirteenth new store opening since the beginning of our current financial year in April.," Leo McKee, BrightHouse CEO said. "It represents a milestone in our strategy of opening stores in ...
Consumer protection, financial stability at core of sweeping Dodd bill [November 11, 2009]
Sen. Chris Dodd Tuesday introduced a wide-ranging financial-regulatory-overhaul measure, seeking more ambitious changes in some areas than envisioned by the White House or proposed by the House of Representatives.
Dodd's discussion draft, running more than 1,100 pages, proposes financial reform legislation that would fundamentally change the country's financial landscape and create a unified super-regulator to oversee all the ...
Sutton honored by charitable mission [November 11, 2009]
Pastor Craig Altman with RNR founder Larry Sutton.
Pastor Craig Altman of Grace Family Church in Tampa recently presented RNR Custom Wheels and Tires owner Larry Sutton a plaque in recognition and appreciation for providing his Rent-N-Roll location as a site to feed the Tampa Bay homeless and others that are struggling in this economy.
For the past year ...
Speese honored for lifetime of entrepreneurship [November 10, 2009]
Mark Speese
Mark Speese, chairman and CEO of Rent-A-Center, will receive the Murphy Award on Friday at the BDO Seidman LLP Leadership Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.
The luncheon benefits the University of North Texas Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship and the award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to entrepreneurship.
Former Dallas ...
Healthcare reform and the RTO impact [November 9, 2009]
The U.S. House late Saturday, narrowly passed a $1-trillion health-reform package that includes compulsory insurance, tax hikes for the wealthy and a clause to prevent insurers from rejecting customers with pre-existing conditions.
Despite House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's and President Barack Obama's optimism, the bill -- the Affordable Health Care for America Act -- faces an uphill battle in ...
Rent One sponsored "Fitnessgram" making an impact in southern Illinois [November 9, 2009]
Larry Carrico presents "Fitnessgram" participants with gold thank you coins.
Students at the Mt. Vernon District 80 schools are making the most of a program grant to improve their physical fitness and health.
Since the beginning of the school year, second and third grade classes have been utilizing the Fitnessgram software provided by Rent One as a major ...
Brighthouse booms in recession [November 9, 2009]
Brighthouse, the rent -to-own retailer is booming as recession-hit families on low incomes line up to purchase flat screens and living room sets.
The UK's largest RTO company, which has 188 shops, said its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization jumped by 23.7 per cent to £14.6m ($24.2 million) over the past six months ...
New easyhome store to open in Oklahoma City [November 6, 2009]
Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates today announced a new franchise store is opening on Southwest 59th Street in the Walker Center Shopping Center in Oklahoma City tomorrow.
“We are elated to introduce this new market to the easyhome concept," Gates said. "Tim Green, our Regional Manager, has put together a great team led by ...
Fast Track Services offers APRO member exclusive [November 6, 2009]
Fast Track Services, an Arlington, Texas-based print, marketing and promotional service provider, is offering a DIY direct mail tool custom designed for the rent-to-own industry which is currently available only to APRO member companies.
The RTO portal allows rent-to-owns to design and customize a variety of postcard mailers, select and purchase demographically targeted mailing lists and send them out ...
BlackBoxGPS hires operation manager [November 6, 2009]
BlackBoxGPS today announced the appointment of Bradford Hamilton to head operations.
In light of continued growth of the GPS monitoring service for fleet vehicles and to keep up with growing demand, especially in the delivery vehicle fleet markets, BlackBoxGPS announces the appointment of Bradford Hamilton to head operations.
Hamilton was previously chief operating officer of One Source Telecom, a ...
Jobless rate worst since early 80's [November 6, 2009]
The unemployment rate hit 10.2 percent in October, surpassing 10 percent for the first time since 1983.
The Labor Department said Friday that the jobless rate rose from 9.8 percent in September. The economy shed a net total of 190,000 jobs in October, less than the revised 219,000 lost in September, but more than economists ...
Premier dealers open second Maine store [November 6, 2009]
Jim Ratner and John Reichenbach
Jim Ratner and John Reichenbach last month opened their second Premier store in Auburn, Maine not long after the anniversary of the opening of their first store in Westbrook, Maine.
Partners by accident, they have enjoyed success on several fronts, not the least of which is their ability to build on each other’s ...
Retailer gains beat expectations [November 5, 2009]
A drop in unemployment claims and better than expected gains by retailers last month have some analysts suggesting the combined news may be a strong sign the economy is heading north just ahead of the holiday season.
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped last week, according to a weekly Labor Department report, with a total figure ...
Alliance HealthCard promotes Denison to executive vice president [November 5, 2009]
Alliance Health Card, parent company of rent-to-own program provider Benefit Marketing Solutions, today announced the promotion of Bradley W. Denison to executive vice president.
Denison, who joined the company in early 2006, will continue in his role as general counsel and secretary for the company. He began as general counsel of Benefit Marketing Solutions and had formerly been senior ...
3-D TVs heading for masses in 2010 [November 4, 2009]
The next frontier in television technology is here and heading to retail outlets next year.
Just don't forget your glasses.
Sony and Panasonic say they will release home 3-D television systems in 2010; JVC is not far behind. All of Mitsubishi's current model Home Theater TVs are 3-D ready and are offered in screen sizes from 60 inches to ...
TRIB Group adds second buying show [November 4, 2009]
TRIB Group’s Board of Directors recently finalized the decision that the 2010 Meeting of the Minds will be held at the Paris Resort in Las Vegas on August 30, 2010 in conjunction with the Brand Source convention.
This move solidifies the addition of a second annual TRIB Group buy fair opportunity that will take place Aug. 31 and ...
KLQ's Mary Reopelle dies [November 3, 2009]
Mary Reopelle
Mary Reopelle, long time office manager for KLQ Enterprises died October 30 from complications attributed to the swine flu.
Reopelle leaves behind her husband Mark, Quality Rentals Inc. Warehouse General Manager & Buyer, daughter Becky and Son Danny.
Both Becky and Danny have worked for Quality Rentals since out of school in the summers and both have ...
DATATrue announces national skip/stolen database [November 3, 2009]
DATATrue, the original front end information verification service, today announced the release of Alert1One -- a new national skip/stolen database tool in the fight against fraud and loss.
DATATrue specializes in creative and effective methods to reduce fraud and loss by early detection of false data provided customers who encompass the majority of the industry's charged off accounts.
“...
easyhome announces Q3 conference call and Webcast [November 2, 2009]
Canada-based easyhome will hold its quarterly management conference call with shareholders, analysts and portfolio managers on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 to discuss the company's third quarter performance.
The results will be issued by news release after the market closes on Monday, November 9, 2009.
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Time: 4 p.m. EST
Dial-in: toll-free: 1-888-789-9572 or 416-695-7806
...
2009 tax deduction for BlackBox GPS fleet tracking equipment [November 2, 2009]
GPS Fleet equipment purchases may qualify rent to own companies for the Section 179 deduction.
BlackBox GPS, the leading GPS fleet routing and monitoring solution for the RTO, furniture & appliance industry confirms their GPS tracking is tax deductible under Section 179 for 2009.
Today Co-Founder, Steven Muntean reports that business owners and managers who act quickly and order ...
ColorTyme Webinar today [November 2, 2009]
ColorTyme today is hosting the rent-to-own company's first-ever Webinar for its franchisees.
During the secure online presentation, ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom will offer franchise owners a detailed presentation that will include industry trends and current initiatives.
“We’re excited to communicate with our franchise owners through this Webinar,” said Bloom. “ColorTyme is always introducing new, innovative ...
New Premier store opens in Orlando [November 2, 2009]
Steve Dovale is an entrepreneur. He has owned several businesses including a cookie company, a construction firm and an outdoor screen enclosure and pool deck operation – each a franchise. So when he had the opportunity to purchase a furniture store from a friend last year, he naturally looked around for franchise options and found Premier Home Furnishings. He ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from October 2009 Will the future of your business depend on social media networking? [October 29, 2009]
A recent book out by business author Erik Qualman, entitled Socialnomics, states the future of your business will depend on your branding through social media networking. Social media networks first became popular with MySpace. Now the most current popular sites are Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter among others. In Qualcom's book, he cites the following statistics on why you as ...
Northwest Rental Dealers Association Meeting Postponed [October 28, 2009]
The Northwest Rental Dealers Association (NWRDA) meeting scheduled for November 11, 2009, in Tacoma, Washington, has been postponed. A new meeting date has not been set. Notices will be sent once the meeting has been rescheduled.
NWRDA serves the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. E-mail Kevin Quinn if you need more information regarding NWRDA or the rescheduled ...
Sliding consumer confidence fuel uncertainty for consumers [October 28, 2009]
Consumer confidence fell unexpectedly in October as job prospects remained bleak, a private research group said Tuesday, fueling speculation that an already gloomy holiday shopping forecast could worsen. The Consumer Confidence Index, released by The Conference Board, dropped to 47.7 in October -- its second-lowest reading since May.
"Consumers also remain quite pessimistic about their future earnings, ...
APRO's 2010 Rent-to-Own Convention to be held in Louisville, KY [October 27, 2009]
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations’ (APRO) board of directors has selected Louisville, Kentucky, as the host city for the association’s 30th birthday celebration, July 19–22. APRO’s 2010 Rent-to-Own Convention will be held at Louisville’s Marriott Downtown and the Kentucky International Convention Center. The APRO board’s selection of Louisville was unanimous.
“We are ...
APRO trade show created business opportunities for American Rentals and Charles Cloud [October 27, 2009]
During APRO's recent trade show in Las Vegas, American Rentals CEO David David jokingly asked previous owner Gary McDougal if he wanted to buy his stores back. Former APRO Board member and RTO dealer, Charles Cloud, overheard the conversation and now the deal has been struck bringing Cloud back into the RTO business after nearly a decade.
Cloud, who ...
Rent-A-Center beats estimates [October 27, 2009]
Rent-A-Center Inc. reported a quarterly profit that beat Wall Street estimates helped by improved margins. Total revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $671.3 million. Net earnings and net earnings per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $36.8 million and $0.55.
"I am pleased with our results for the ...
Credit Card industry criticized for punishing credit free consumers [October 26, 2009]
The no-debt, credit free rent-to-own transaction continues to be a viable consumer option as credit tightens and customers choose other methods to purchase products and services. According to finance expert, Carmen Wong Ulrich, credit card companies are adding fees and raising interest rates. These aggressive hike in fees and interest rates are a result of Congress applying new regulations ...
Aarons cited as top twelve stock picks [October 26, 2009]
Bloomberg columnist, John Dorfman, cited Aaron's Inc, as one twelve "stocks that save my screen." Aaron's recent third quarter results show a 6.8% increase in same store sales. Dorfman states "Aaron’s financial results are attractive. Sales have grown at a 16 percent annual clip the past five years, earnings at 18 percent. This year ...
Ina Mahoney funeral details released [October 24, 2009]
Ina Mahoney, 52, beloved industry friend and veteran products buyer for Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings for over 25-years, died in her home Oct. 23 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Details are as follows:
Visitation: Tuesday October 27th, 6 to 8pm, Loyless Funeral Home, 5310 Land O Lakes Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL 34639.
Funeral Celebration: Wednesday October 28th, ...
Long-time Buddy's Buyer Ina Mahoney dies [October 23, 2009]
Ina Mahoney, 52, beloved industry friend and veteran products buyer for Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings for over 25-years, died in her home Friday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Buddy's President Joe Gazzo issued the following statement to RTO Today:
"I am deeply saddened to inform you that Ina Mahoney, an amazing woman known for her dedication ...
Marketing basics: Don't sell your promotion short [October 23, 2009]
As the holiday season quickly approaches, store managers and marketing types are planning holiday “events.”
It may be radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts or an in-store promotion. Rent-to-own professionals plan each and every one of these strategies very carefully but too often “sell them short” without ever realizing it.
Whether radio, TV, direct mail or ...
BlackBox GPS RoutePlanner hits home run [October 23, 2009]
BlackBox GPS, a leading provider of fleet solutions for delivery and service vehicles announces the victory of RoutePlanner as an invaluable tool for BlackBox GPS customers.
“We've had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback regarding the RoutePlanning feature," said company Co-Founder Steven Muntean. "It's great to know that we are able to facilitate the day to ...
MRDA hosts 'Traveling Roadshow' fall trainings [October 23, 2009]
Computer training at MRDA's Heartland of America show this summer.
The Missouri Rental Dealers Association next week is once again hosting its popular three day "Traveling Roadshow" training seminars where rent-to-own employees will get up to speed on the latest trends in computers, electronics and appliances.
Download brochure and registration form here.
Last year 150 area rent-to-own professionals ...
Consumer Protection Agency passes key committee [October 22, 2009]
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee today approved creation of a controversial Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), charged with writing rules for mortgage and credit card lenders and other financial service providers which could include rent-to-own.
In a partisan vote that represents the largest expansion of financial service regulation since the 1930's, lawmakers in the House Financial Services ...
Aaron's Inc. Q3: Same store revenues up 6.3% [October 22, 2009]
Aaron's Wednesday announced revenues and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. A replay of the company's conference call on the report is available here.
For the third quarter of 2009, revenues increased 7% to $415.3 million compared to $388.0 million for the same period last year. Net earnings from continuing operations rose ...
Illinois dealers weigh new agency concerns, elect new president [October 21, 2009]
IRDA Board Memers with Jill Young Shurtz (third from right), president/CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois.
APRO's 'State Association of the Year' -- The Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association -- convened Wednesday at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois to mull a range of issues ranging from legislative and legal updates to sales tax audits ...
High Touch releases 'Business Intelligence' (BI) application [October 20, 2009]
High Touch today announced the release of its high-value Business Intelligence (BI) application to complement its PRO/Store point-of-sale software. The web-based application is designed to provide clients with the power to slice-and-dice data for analysis of what happened, when it happened and why it happened.
The delivery of Business Intelligence (BI Basic) is the first version of this new ...
Members Only: APRO 2009 Customer Satisfaction Survey released [October 20, 2009]
APRO's 2009 Customer Satisfaction Survey -- an invaluable customer service, marketing and advertising guidepost -- will be delivered today electronically to APRO members only.
This twice a decade study was conducted by leading rent-to-own customer satisfaction expert Britt Beemer of America's Research Group. America's Research Group is one of the premiere household consumer research companies in the country.
Beemer ...
Aaron's signs continued Partnership with Atlanta Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena [October 20, 2009]
Aaron's Inc. today announced a continued partnership with the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena. Aaron's is the only Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena partner with a specific Hawks game-night of the week dedicated to the company.
"Aaron's Lucky Dog Wednesdays" is a unique franchise position that will be a part of the Atlanta Hawks ticket ...
Pennsylvania dealers pitch in for 'Computers for Kidz' [October 19, 2009]
Over a dozen Pennsylvania rental dealers from across the state joined forced recently for the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers annual meeting at the Harrisburg Hilton.
As APRO's "Most Improved State Association" PARD members voted to get behind a community outreach initiative and alloted $5,000 towards the purchase of computers as part of the rent-to-own industry's "...
New York dealers hit $40K goal for Special Olympics [October 19, 2009]
Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earle with NYSRDA President Dave Edwards at the association's fall meeting Oct. 15.
The New York State Rental Dealers Association held its fall membership meeting Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York where over 50 rental professionals turned out for legislative updates, vendor presentations and industry training.
A highlight of ...
Whirlpool named one of the top 50 U.S. companies for social responsibility [October 19, 2009]
Whirlpool Corporation was named one of the top 50 U.S. companies for Social Responsibility by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Reputation Institute. Based on a recent survey of U.S. consumers conducted by the Reputation Institute, Whirlpool earned a rating of 72.24, ranking it 23rd on the 2009 Boston College Corporate Social Responsibility Index ...
RTOHQ: The Magazine - APRO's 2009 Buddy Award Winners [October 19, 2009]
The latest issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine hits mailboxes this week and features a long look at those rental dealers whose achievements garnered industry-wide recognition this year with the presentation of a "Buddy".
The featured articles in the September-October 2009 issue focus on APRO’s 2009 Rental Dealer of the Year, Vendor of the Year, President’s Award ...
2010 census will show a new customer in America [October 16, 2009]
A recent Ad Age report shows that the nearly 310 million Americans in 2010 reflect a new breakdown of American consumers. The demographics of Americans dictate marketing, advertising and ultimately sales for retail businesses.
"The concept of an 'average American' is gone, probably forever," demographics expert Peter Francese writes in 2010 America, a new Ad Age white ...
KRDA elects new officers [October 15, 2009]
The Kansas Rental Dealers Association held its annual meeting Wednesday at the Prairie Band Casino in Mayetta Kansas where 28 attending rent-to-own dealers elected a new slate of officers.
KRDA members elected Tyson Johnson (Rent-A-Center) as president, Steve Wine (Rent 1st) vice president and Shaun Rusch (Triad Leasing) as secretary/treasurer.
Vaughn Burkholder, Employee Law attorney, updated attendees on employment ...
Rent One 'Day on the Diamond' scores with vendors, community [October 14, 2009]
Southern Illinois community leaders join Rent One and Ronald McDonald House St. Louis representatives Wednesday for Rent One's presentation of the first $10,000 of a $100,000 commitment to Ronald McDonald House.
With an entire minor league baseball park at their disposal, Rent One managers braved drizzling rain Wednesday to thank vendors from over 30 companies at the ...
Industry furthers job training program with computer, cash donation [October 13, 2009]
Casey Pristou with training program executive director Lowry Taylor.
Casey Pristou, President of Aaron's Franchisee Watershed Development Corporation, recently met with Lowry Taylor, executive director of the Chicago-based Danny K. Davis Job Training Program (DKDJTP), to donate a van load of used desktop and laptop computers, LCD TV’s and other miscellaneous technology items.
The equipment will be used ...
IContain expands into new international markets, passes on savings to RTO [October 13, 2009]
Profit protection has been heralded as the number one issue for companies during the economic downturn.
IContain's products are designed to save RTO owners losses and protect profits by reducing the cost of collections, unwarrented customer visits, missed opportunities to collect product and harassment lawsuits resulting from overzealous managers trying to collect money rightfully owed to the store.
Recently, ...
'Cash for Appliances' rebate program on its way [October 13, 2009]
Thursday October 15th is the deadline for states to submit their detailed plan to execute the U.S. Department of Energy's "Cash for Appliances" program.
Guidelines and eligibility requirements are determined by each state. According to the U.S. Department of Energy spokeswoman, Chris Kielich, the consumer does not have to trade-in their old refrigerator or washer and ...
Gainesville ColorTyme takes donations for injured local man [October 13, 2009]
The community of Gainesville was devastated recently after a horrifying motorcycle accident left Ron Hertell – passionate family man and community member – incapacitated and seriously injured.
Hertell’s injuries are so significant that doctor’s predict that he will require a year of rehabilitation, which leaves him unable to work for a considerable period of time. Mike Gavidia, ...
Credit no longer the popular choice to acquire household goods [October 13, 2009]
According to the recent Nilson Report, the tightening of credit and high unemployment are changing consumer behavior when acquiring household goods and a large majority of economists say the country's slow recovery will continue with consumers decreasing use of credit.
"Think about what's happening in the economy," said Trish Preston, head of U.S. debit for MasterCard. ...
TARA Southwest Buying Show kicks off new era [October 12, 2009]
New TARA President William McCrae (far right) shares a laugh with Bailey Street sales reps. Barbara Giles (l) and Jose Ramos.
TARA's 26th annual convention and buying show continued Monday as dealers from across the Lone Star State took advantage of educational industry updates and browsed booths represented by close to 30 exhibiting companies.
While recent company conversions, buyouts ...
Rent-A-Center furnishes Wichita Children's Home [October 12, 2009]
The Wichita Children’s Home received a welcome boost today from Rent-A-Center’s Random Acts of Caring initiative. With new furniture, electronics, and appliances from Rent-A-Center, the Children’s Home will be able to better serve local children and their families.
Rent-A-Center is donating:
· Two sofas
· Two sleeper sofas
· 46” HDTV
· 10 twin beds
· ...
New TARA President McCrae promises government affairs focus [October 11, 2009]
William McCrae is elected TARA's new president Sunday.
William McCrae, president of Buzz's Lease Purchase and Sales became the new president of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies Sunday at the opening of the association's 26th annual convention and southwest buying show at the Intercontinental Hotel in Addison, Texas.
McCrae replaces outgoing president Dan Matthews of Rent Plus. Listen ...
New easygates store opens in Tulsa [October 10, 2009]
Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces the opening of a new U.S. franchise store. The store opened yesterday on East 31st Street in the Garnett Crossing Shopping Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“We are elated to bring the easyhome concept to Oklahoma," Gates said. "This is the first of what will be several ...
Rent One pledges $100K to build new St. Louis Ronald McDonald House [October 9, 2009]
Rent One owner Larry Carrico (far right) at last year's 'Days at the Diamond' event at Rent One Park.
Rent One is pledging $100,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis at the company’s “Days at the Diamond Annual Vendor Appreciation Days” at 4 p.m., Oct. 14, at Rent One Park in Marion, ...
Rent-A-Center outfits Mississippi teen room [October 7, 2009]
Representatives of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi andRent-A-Center will join together for a dedication ceremony opening a new “RAC Room” for teens at the Club in Jackson, Mississippi on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Teens at this Boys & Girls Clubhouse will have a much improved positive place to hang out and call their own, thanks to a ...
TRIB 'Meeting of the Minds' hosts record breaking crowd [October 7, 2009]
R to L: Chris Bolin (Bolin Rental Purchase), Chris Raffo (Home Express) and Ken Mashburn at TRIB Group's annual "Meeting of the Minds" event Wednesday.
A record number of rental dealers from around the country wrapped up a full day of networking Wednesday at TRIB Group's annual "Meeting of the Minds" at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in ...
Loudermilk to Georgia dealers: 'Satisfy the customer' [October 7, 2009]
L to R: Charles Loudermilk Sr., Ernie Lewallen, Jeff Klopp and Mark Kresch chat after the GRDA meeting today in Atlanta.
Charles Loudermilk Sr., 82, founder and chairman of Aaron's Inc., had a simple message for attendees at the annual meeting of the Georgia Rental Dealers Association Wednesday in Atlanta.
"Satisfy the customer," Loudermilk said. "It ...
'Tiger' addresses Aaron's Franchise Association [October 6, 2009]
"Tiger" John Cleek at Aaron's Franchise Association annual meeting.
'Tiger' John Cleek, president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) and recently converted Aaron's franchisee, addressed a crowd of around 300 at the Aaron's Franchise Association annual meeting Tuesday morning at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta.
Cleek converted his family's 52-year-old family business from Cleek’s to ...
Aarons makes U.S. News and World Report's top ten businesses [October 6, 2009]
The October 5th U.S. News and World Report's Money section features Aaron's as one of the top ten businesses doing well in today's economy. The article by Rick Newman reflects the recent positive media attention rent-to-own has received in today's economy. The article also reflects the many advances in pricing and payment options while featuring rent-to-own's unique niche ...
Rent-A-Center outfits new Phoenix area Boys and Girls Club [October 5, 2009]
Representatives of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and Rent-A-Center, Thursday will formally dedicate a new “RAC Room” for teens at the Club, furnished with merchandise form Rent-A-Center.
Teens at the Boys & Girls Clubhouse will finally have a positive place to hang out and call their own, thanks to a joint venture with Boys & Girls ...
Georgia dealers welcome Loudermilk at annual meeting Wednesday [October 5, 2009]
Charlie Loudermilk Sr. presented with the APRO Lifetime Achievement Award last year in St. Louis.
The Georgia Rental Dealers Association welcomes Charlie Loudermilk Sr., entrepreneur, philanthropist and chairman of the second largest rent-to-own business in the country, Aaron's, Inc. at its annual meeting Wednesday.
Loudermilk headlines a packed agenda beginning at 9 a.m. at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel ...
New easyhome opens in Omaha [October 4, 2009]
Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, this weekend announced a new easyhome franchise store opening on October 3, 2009, in Omaha, Nebraska. The store is the first opened by JSNB Enterprises, LLC, an easyhome franchise owned by Jerry Stine and Vernell Jackson.
“We are thrilled to partner with Jerry and Vernell as franchisees and excited they are ...
Rent-A-Center outfits new Brooklyn Boys and Girls Club [October 2, 2009]
Teens at the Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse in Brooklyn will finally have a positive place to hang out and call their own, thanks to a partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Rent-A-Center, Inc. Teenagers are a tough group to impress, but the new RAC Rooms will help attract more teens by furnishing a cool and ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from September 2009 Consumer Confidence Drops, Consumer Credit Tightens [September 30, 2009]
A recent Conference Board study shows consumer confidence in the retail market dropped this month. Consumer confidence is trying to gain momentum but unemployment and shaky confidence in the market keeps purchases stagnating.
These trends have retail markets worried going into the busy Christmas season. On the housing market side, new federal regulations tightened credit guidelines leaving many customers ...
Product training, networking highlight RTO Expo [September 30, 2009]
L TO R: Mark Griffith, Brooke Smith and Lee Fink with Countryside Rent-2-Own at a product demonstration by Bob Brandlin of SilkoRadio.
Over 150 rent-to-own dealers packed training rooms Wednesday to get up to speed on the latest product innovations in electronics, appliances, computers and furniture at the sixth annual Midwest RTO Expo at the Concourse Conference Center in ...
TRIB Group 'Meeting of the Minds' next week [September 30, 2009]
TRIB Group’s annual Meeting of the Minds event kicks off in one week and is on track to be the best attended event to date. The event will be held next week, October 7-8, 2009 at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The event is free of charge for TRIB Group members and special ...
BlackBox GPS proves a win for RTO owners, managers [September 30, 2009]
BlackBox GPS is the leading provider of fleet monitoring and tracking solutions for the RTO industry. “We have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback from our current RTO clients, and intend on continuing to be the leading GPS solution provider for the Rent-To-Own industry” ” states Austin Kocielko, Fleet Management Consultant for BlackBox GPS.
Sandy from Buck's Furniture, ...
Midwest RTO Expo opens with reception, bowling [September 29, 2009]
Ohio State Rep. Seth Morgan and ORDA President Scott Kinnear officially open the 2009 Midwest Expo in Columbus, Ohio Tuesday.
The sixth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the brainchild of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicked off Tuesday evening at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio where close to 160 rent-to-own dealers from ...
DSI holds first annual Vendor Summit [September 29, 2009]
DSI Systems held its first annual Vendor Summit at its corporate headquarters last week in Des Moines, Iowa. Inviting account executives and senior management from all of the DSI Systems vendors, over 100 representatives came together for this important meeting.
“The independent retailer channel is the only sure bet for manufacturers,” declared Dave Robison, CEO of DSI ...
ColorTyme celebrates new multi-unit course graduates [September 29, 2009]
ColorTyme, and its ColorTyme University program, celebrated with the first 10 graduates of its all-new multi-unit management training course, held Sept. 21-23.
“As more and more ColorTyme franchisees become multi-unit owners, this multi-unit management course is crucial for our system,” said Albert Kohut, vice president of operations for ColorTyme and co-creator of the course. “I worked ...
Sixth annual Midwest Expo begins tomorrow [September 28, 2009]
Expo 2008 show floor.
The sixth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the brainchild of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicks off tomorrow at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio where close to 160 rent-to-own dealers from as many as nine states are expected to participate in what has become the largest regional rent-to-own ...
Bestway honors high performers at awards banquet [September 24, 2009]
Bestway 2009 Award Winners. Front middle: C.D. Bell -- Bestway Profit King.
Bestway Rent-To-Own today closed out its 2009 annual managers meeting in Destin, Florida, with an awards brunch celebrating 43 managers of the company's highest performing stores.
The company is wrapping up the most profitable year in its history and several of the managers took home multiple ...
FRDA names first-ever 'Employee of the Year' [September 23, 2009]
Mike Van Heusen (l) accepts FRDA's first ever 'Employee of Year' award from Jan Arnett.
Mike Van Heusen of Z-Best Rentals is the Florida Rental Dealers Association's first ever 'Employee of the Year.'
Heusen accepted the award Tuesday from Jan Arnett at the conclusion of FRDA's annual business meeting attended by over 100 dealers representing around 15 rent-to-own ...
NEW PODCAST: David Kraemer president, CEO Bestway Rent-To-Own [September 23, 2009]
Listen to podcast with Bestway president and CEO David Kraemer.
Kraemer is a 26-year RTO veteran who served as past executive vice president with Rent-A-Center and joined Bestway in 2002. The company is currently the largest independent rent-to-own company in the country with 77 stores in seven states.
Kraemer is a firm believer in the philosophy of "happy ...
NEW PODCAST: Beth Durrett, CFO Bestway Rent-To-Own [September 23, 2009]
Listen to podcast with Bestway Rent-To-Own CFO Beth Durrett.
Beth Durrett is the chief financial officer for Bestway Rent-To-Own.
In her 30 years with the company -- dating back to its pre-RTO well-servicing days -- Durrett has lived the Bestway philosophy of putting employees first. New hires at Bestway are likely to hear from her with "welcome aboard" ...
UPDATED: Chair Frank Joins Push for Financial Regulatory Reform [September 23, 2009]
Today, House Financial Services Chair Barney Frank reiterated the House commitment to pass a financial regulatory overhaul by the year's end. U.S. Senate Banking Chair Chris Dodd yesterday set forth his proposal to merge the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision into a ...
Rent One hosts Bowl-A-Thon for Jefferson County troop fund [September 23, 2009]
Rent One bowling team at the recent JCOIF Bowl-A-Thon.
Rent One recently hosted a Bowl-A-Thon for Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom (JCOIF) -- a fundraiser for Jefferson Country troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rent One kicked off this year's fundraiser with the first donation.
The Bowl-A-Thon raised over $5000 towards JCOIF's goal this year. In addition, organizers held ...
Congress keeps super financial regulatory agency on table |
