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Rent-to-own Industry News Archives:
Rent-to-own News Archives from July 2009 Premier dealers turn "jailbirds" to send MDMA kids to camp [July 3, 2009]
William Cuthbertson jailed to raise money for the Muscular Distrophy Association.
Local business owners and community leaders from Clarksville, Tenn. were accused recently of “having a big heart” and were “arrested” and hauled off to “jail” on Thursday, June 18.
Among them were Premier Rental-Purchase dealers William, James and Leaann Cuthbertson. They remained “behind bars” ...
APRO Golfers tee off at scenic Angel Park [July 2, 2009]
Angel Park Golf Club.
This year's annual Tom Kitchens/Joe Eason Golf Tournament will be held on the Palm Course at the Angel Park Golf Club in Las Vegas during APRO's annual Convention.
Registration Deadline: August 14
Find full tournament details and download entry form here.
At almost 3,000 feet in elevation, Angel Park offers spectacular views of Red ...
Aaron's Inc. Q2 Conference call July 22 [July 2, 2009]
Aaron’s, Inc. will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. EST July 22 to discuss the company's second quarter 2009 results.
There will be opening remarks and then questions and answers with Chairman Charlie Loudermilk, President/CEO Robin Loudermilk, COO Ken Butler, and Executive Vice President/CFO Gil Danielson.
Dial 1-800-357-0498 a few minutes before the scheduled time of ...
'A breath of fresh air': Illinois RDA makes renovation possible at area Boys and Girls Club [July 2, 2009]
IRDA Board members.
It wasn't the outreach project they'd planned to do; but it's the one that needed doing.
The Illinois Rental Dealers Association Tuesday will formally present The Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) with a check for $21,000 at a press conference at 10 a.m. in Springfield -- a donation that will fund ...
New Consumer Protection Agency could impact RTO bills [July 1, 2009]
The Obama administration yesterday sent a detailed proposal to Congress to create an agency to protect consumers and oversee nearly every facet of consumer lending.
Though the bill, and the agency it proposes to establish – The Consumer Financial Protection Agency – does not name rent-to-own directly and is focused on abusive mortgage and credit card lending practices that ...
Employee and Customer of the Year: deadline July 24 [July 1, 2009]
Click to watch video.
APRO's Employee and Customer of the Year Contest is On!
Deadline July 24!
The search is on for the rent-to-own customer and employee who best personify the spirit of the industry through their work on behalf of others.
Nominations can be made online here or by downloading and faxing this application.
APRO's Employee and Customer ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from June 2009 Minnesota Supreme Court: Franken wins, Dems at 60 [June 30, 2009]
The Minnesota Supreme Court today unanimously ruled former "Saturday Night Live" star Al Franken the winner of last November's Senate race, putting him on the brink of becoming a U.S. Senator and giving Democrats a dominant 60-vote supermajority in the Senate.
In a unanimous 5-0 decision, the court upheld a three-judge panel's April 14 ruling that Franken ...
APRO Convention Update: Early bird registration July 15 [June 30, 2009]
The Rent-To-Own Industry Event of the Year Is Here
Register by July 15 – Save $100!
Register Now:
Dealers Exhibitors
Convention packages are $1,195 for Bally's and $1,295 for Paris, with discount, and include a four night hotel stay and complete registration for two people. For example, the Bally's package includes a $125 per night room rate ...
Rent-A-Center, Q2 2009 conference call broadcast July 28 [June 30, 2009]
Rent-A-Center will broadcast its quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 10:45 AM ET over the Internet.
This call will be held to discuss the earnings release that will be issued after the close of the market on Monday, July 27, 2009. Audio of the call will be broadcast live and will be available on the ...
American Rental product expo, picnic set for July [June 29, 2009]
American Rentals General Manager David P. David tries his luck on the mechanical bull at last year's American Rental company picnic.
American Rental, the third largest independent RTO company in the U.S., is gearing up for its 19th annual training expo and company picnic which this year includes 36 participating vendors who will train company employees on the ...
Premier wraps midyear dealers retreat with open house [June 26, 2009]
The Premier Companies wrapped a successful midyear dealers retreat in Atlanta, Georgia Thursday with an open house for entrepreneurs interested in joining the Premier family.
Over 90 dealers attended the retreat and took part in 15 offered workshops available to support dealers in their growth. Premier unveiled a number of new programs in human resources, marketing and training and ...
RAE Awards celebrate the industry's best ads: July 24 deadline [June 26, 2009]
Click to watch.
The rent-to-own industry's most prestigious advertising competition is back.
But if you want your ad or community relations program included in this year's 2009 Rental Advertising Excellence Awards (RAE) awards competition, you don't have time to waste.
The RAE submission deadline is July 24, so click here to learn more and download an entry form.
APRO ...
Newly elected councilman donates 1,000 DVDs to libraries [June 25, 2009]
Riverside City Councilman Paul Davis (center) with family at his swearing in ceremony this week.
Riverside City Councilman-elect Paul Davis of Ward 4 was officially sworn into office this week, but he's already going to bat for local libraries.
Davis, owner of Nations Rent-To-Own, who ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility, said governmental transparency is going to be ...
ColorTyme and RimTyme offer franchise financing guarantee [June 25, 2009]
ColorTyme and RimTyme rent-to-own companies offer franchise business opportunities with a franchise financing guarantee. If an approved franchisee does not receive financing, ColorTyme will refund the franchise fee.
ColorTyme, Inc. is America’s oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent to own stores. ColorTyme’s history is rooted in the desire to help people afford the things they need and ...
Countryside team volunteers for local campers [June 24, 2009]
Countryside Rentals Human Resources Director Jim Runnels pilots a boat full of Kamp Dovetail campers and volunteers.
On a picture-perfect summer day, near a postcard lake in southwest Ohio, over 10 percent of the Countryside Rentals workforce was there to lend a hand for one of the largest summer camps for children with disabilities in the Great Lakes region.
...
Customers honored at Bargain Center Customer Appreciation Day [June 24, 2009]
Grand Prize raffle winner Ralph McCord atop his new Harley Davidson.
Bargain Center -- a rent-to-own company based in Grove, Oklahoma -- recently held a customer appreciation event throughout all 14 of its store locations to thank its customers the communities it serves.
“We really wanted to show our customers that we truly appreciate them and consider them ...
APRO Convention registration open: Early bird discount deadline July 15 [June 24, 2009]
This year the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations returns to the "City of Lights" for the rent-to-own event of the year: APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying Show at Paris and Bally's, Las Vegas, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2.
This year APRO offers attending dealers a $100 discount off show registration packages for registering before July 15. Register now!
...
ColorTyme bikers trek across U.S. for franchisee retreat [June 24, 2009]
ColorTyme Time Travelers.
While many chose to endure air travel to Jackson Hole, Wyo., for ColorTyme’s 2009 Summer Meeting, a valiant group of franchise owners and corporate employees trekked across the country by motorcycle.
The group named the Tyme Travelers, included Larry Hill, Mark Shealy, Nellie Rosete, Mark Shaw, Ted Schlaack, Tom Neyhart, Lisa Neyhart and Roger Timmons.
...
High Touch auto dial product helps cut costs [June 22, 2009]
High Touch, Inc., a technology solutions provider, will soon rollout a highly anticipated product that complements the company's PRO/Store point-of-sale software. Auto Dial Voice Messaging is designed to maximize staff efficiencies and minimize overhead, according to Jason Mock, Director of Enterprise Accounts for High Touch.
Talley’s Beta Tests Auto Dial
More time for sales activities and customer relationships ...
Local ColorTyme owners announce essay contest winners [June 22, 2009]
ColorTyme franchisee Louis Garcia presents laptop computers to local high school essay contest winners.
Owners of five ColorTyme franchise stores in Maryland, Epic Ventures LLC today, announced the four winners of the 2009 Epic Ventures People Helping People Senior Essay Competition.
Winners of the essay contest include Sloane Morgan and Adjana Ramirez of W.E.B. Dubois High School ...
Premier Rental-Purchase Donates $10K to Booker High School [June 19, 2009]
Premier dealer Calvin Cooksey and wife.
Premier Rental-Purchase in Sarasota, Florida, is the proud No. one sponsor of Booker High School's sports program, having recently committed $10,000 to support the Booker Tornadoes.
Premier Sarasota is a family-owned and operated rent-to-own store specializing in furniture, appliances and electronics. They opened their doors last August and, according to owner Calvin ...
ColorTyme franchisees, vendors pow wow in all day conference [June 19, 2009]
Yesterday, as part of the ColorTyme Summer Meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyo., franchise owners participated in an all-day conference where they met with several vendors. Vendor representatives provided a list of merchandise that franchisees could later purchase during a special "hot buy" session.
”I love the summer meeting. I learn from others and enjoy visiting with old ...
Heartland Show totals rock expectations [June 19, 2009]
Sale in progress on the show floor of the 2009 Heartland of America Trade Show.
The economy may be rotten but you won't find evidence of that in show totals posted at the fifth annual Heartland of America Trade Show which wrapped up yesterday in Lake Ozark, Missouri.
The multi-state Midwest rent-to-own staple drew a record crowd this year ...
Rent-A-Center commits to community at Wyoming store opening [June 19, 2009]
Customers in Riverton, Wyoming, and surrounding communities now have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center celebrated the opening of its newest store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.
The new store is located in The Shoppes at Federal, 1020 N. Federal Blvd., in Riverton.
$2,000 in community ...
Heartland training day adds new level of value to show [June 18, 2009]
Dan Green of Ashley Furniture shows off the engineering behind an Ashley Furniture recliner.
The Heartland of America Trade Show today launched its much anticipated product training day where over 150 rent-to-own dealers will rotate through vendor led training sessions aimed at sharpening product knowledge at the store level and improving customer service, sales and relationships.
Dealers and store ...
Heartland Show wraps with awards banquet [June 17, 2009]
MRDA Executive Director Ken Steiner (l) with association president John Cleek Jr.
Heartland of America Trade Show attendees packed the Granada Ballroom at the Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort Wednesday night for the annual awards banquet recognizing golf and bass tournament winners and reflecting on the association's and the industry's accomplishments over the past year.
The four man ...
Relationships rule at Heartland Show [June 17, 2009]
National TV Sales and Rental company at the Heartland of America Show.
Though purchase order totals will not be available until tomorrow, organizers of the Heartland of America Tradeshow are all smiles as activity in the main exhibit hall winds up Wednesday evening.
Around 167 dealers representing 20 rent-to-own companies packed the sold-out hall here at the fifth annual ...
Dealers, vendors make Heartland Show networking events [June 17, 2009]
L to R: Sean Keefe (DSI), Larry Carrico (Rent One), Kelly Carrico (Rent One) and Dan Haight (Pioneer) enjoy a game of four man scramble Wednesday.
Rent to own professionals took full advantage of recreational and networking opportunities today at the fifth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show in Lake Ozark, Missouri, showing up en masse for golf ...
Jackson Hole hosts ColorTyme franchise summer meeting [June 17, 2009]
Starting today, the Snake River Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyo., will host ColorTyme’s Franchise Summer Meeting in which franchisees from around the country will gather to spend several days working with members of the ColorTyme corporate staff, collaborate with fellow franchisees and attend several vendor buying presentations.
“I enjoy getting together with the other franchisees and talking ...
RTO dealers turn out for Heartland; attendance up 26 percent [June 16, 2009]
Clint Young (l) of Fisher & Paykel Appliances shows off one of the company's high tech washing machines to Murray Beck of Rent One.
Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from over five states across the midwest trekked to the banks of The Lake of the Ozarks tonight to shatter attendance records on opening night of the fifth annual Heartland of ...
BlackBox GPS launches Imagery's "Company Cake" training [June 15, 2009]
BlackBox GPS, the leader in RTO Fleet Routing and Monitoring Solutions announced today their launch of Imagery Marketing’s Company Cake Training Course.
The BlackBox GPS Company Cake Courses were developed to help RTO Managers effectively manage their fleet and improve the overall efficiency of their mobile workforce. The courses were specifically designed with regional, district, and store managers ...
Rent-A-Center donates $10,000 to D.C. Food Bank [June 12, 2009]
Rent-A-Center's Dwight Dumler presents a check for $10,000 to Lynn Brantley of the Capital Area Food Bank.
Rent-A-Center today donated $10,000 to the Capital Area Food Bank – the Capital region’s largest public, nonprofit food and nutrition education resource. The donated funds will help support the food bank’s various programs and feeding initiatives.
“The ...
Above and beyond: RTO employee, customer of the year sought [June 11, 2009]
The search is on for the rent-to-own customer and employee who best personify the spirit of the industry through their work on behalf of others. These are people who inspire, help and sacrifice for the betterment of their families and/or communities.
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations annually celebrates outstanding rental employees and customers who best exemplify the industry ...
Rent One donates computer to youth program [June 11, 2009]
Rent One owner Larry Carrico, Rev. James Gordon, a youth advisor and several children at Rent One corporate offices yesterday.
Rent One donated a laptop computer to the Southtown Youth Program in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Wednesday.
The program is run by a local church and coordinates a summer camp for children of all ages.
Rent One regularly donates, Big ...
New York dealers hold successful legislative day [June 10, 2009]
NYSRDA annual membership meeting.
Around 18 New York Rental Dealers from across the state turned out in Albany, New York, yesterday to meet and greet state lawmakers and promote a better understanding of the rent-to-own transaction's impact on consumers and the economy.
The New York State Rental Dealers Association held it's first annual NYSRDA Legislative Day, Tuesday, holding approximately ...
Training to highlight re-vamped Heartland Show [June 9, 2009]
Bass tournament at last year's Heartland Tradeshow.
Next week the Heartland of America Trade Show in Lake Ozark, Missouri, will add training to it's enviable golfing, fishing, networking and buying bonanza, a move that will further fortify the show's regional legacy as a value packed company destination.
Over 150 Rent-to-own pros from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri are ...
Easygates opens two new franchise stores [June 8, 2009]
Easygates -- the franchise division of Canada-based easyhome -- opened two new stores last week in San Marcos, Texas and Salina, Kansas.
“We are elated to bring the easyhome concept to two new markets," said Bud Gates, chairman and CEO of easygates, "Trent McKenzie and Chuck Siedlecki, our Central Texas Franchisees have put together a great ...
Davis wins Riverside City Council Seat [June 3, 2009]
Riverside Ward 4 City Councilman Paul Davis. Listen to podcast.
Rent-to-own dealer Paul Davis is the new Riverside Ward 4 City Councilman after winning a decisive victory over the two-term incumbent last night.
Davis took home 52 percent of the vote in the race against Frank Schiavone in a hard fought election in which voters also returned incumbents Nancy ...
Discover Rental Purchase launches franchise happiness guarantee [June 2, 2009]
In a business landscape cluttered with companies seeking franchise operators, Jim Steger thinks he may have it figured out.
As Vice President of Franchise Development for Discover Rental Purchase, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Steger knows he is competing with hundreds, if not thousands, of U.S businesses who are wooing potential franchise operators.
And, in an uncertain economic ...
Rent-A-Center contributes $2K to library at store opening [June 2, 2009]
Starting today, customers in Novi, Michigan, and surrounding communities have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers.
Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2. Featuring approximately 4,500 square feet of high-quality merchandise, the new store is located at ...
APRO 2009 Scholar search begins [June 1, 2009]
APRO 2008 Scholarship winner Penny Wyatt (center) with then APRO President Larry Carrico (left) and Show Me Rent To Own owner Gary Romine. Watch Video.
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is seeking qualified applicants for it's second annual scholarship competition open to all APRO rent-to-own employees and their children.
Application deadline: July 24, 2009
APRO's Scholarship Foundation will ...
Don's EZ Pay to open new store in July [June 1, 2009]
Arkansas-based Don's E-Z Pay is looking to open a fourth store in neighboring Idabel, Oklahoma this July, almost a year after the company's founder, Don Cecil died.
Cecil's daughter, Rhonda Weatherford, a registered nurse, who has also managed the company's three existing stores for the past 10 years, said the expansion was one envisioned by Cecil before his death.
...
ColorTyme franchisees see big future in Canton [June 1, 2009]
Tony Trombley and Tom Smith Partner to Offer Superior Customer Service in New Store
Canton, Ohio is now the home of a new ColorTyme store – co-owned by Tony Trombley and Tom Smith. Located near the corner of Whipple Avenue and Tuscarawas Street West in Canton Centre Mall, the 5,000 square-foot ColorTyme offers residents a new choice in ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from May 2009 ColorTyme store celebrates successful fundraiser for boy awaiting heart transplant [May 29, 2009]
It started with Hanover’s local ColorTyme store donating a laptop. Then it progressed to the development of a “Have a Heart, Give a Heart” fundraising campaign – all for Jarrett Peck, a 10-year-old boy who will soon undergo a complicated heart surgery. See previous story.
Today, the Hanover community has collectively raised enough dollars to meet the ...
RTO employee and customer of the year search is on [May 29, 2009]
Far right: APRO's 2008 Employee of the Year Bill Tennison of Heartland Furniture and Appliance. Watch video.
The search is on for the rent-to-own customer and employee who best personify the spirit of the industry through their work on behalf of others. Nominations are being accepted now through July 24.
Nominations can be made online or by faxing this ...
RNR continues to help feed hungry in Tampa [May 29, 2009]
Members of Grace Family Church serve meals in their outdoor soup kitchen set up in the parking lot of an RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tire’s store in Tampa, Fla.
RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tire’s store on East Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, Florida, has been drawing a crowd of hundreds of people every Monday and Tuesday ...
DSI, Digital Delivery Group announce strategic alliance [May 28, 2009]
DSI Systems, the nation's largest distributor of satellite and consumer electronic equipment, and Digital Delivery Group (DDG), the leading convergence and digital products-focused distribution consortium, today announced a strategic partnership creating the DSI DDG Alliance.
With 59 pickup facilities coast to coast, the alliance will provide custom integrators with the largest inventory of flat panel televisions in the industry, ...
Rent-A-Center Gift to benefit summer camps in Onondaga and Madison Counties [May 28, 2009]
New York State Sen. David Valesky joins Rent-A-Center representatives as they present Camp Healing Hearts with a check for $4,000.
Rent-A-Center will help brighten summer vacation for more than 740 children attending Camp Lookout in Madison County and Camp Healing Hearts in Onondaga County.
Representatives from 14 area Rent-A-Center stores presented more than $8,500 in cash and ...
Electronics lead consumer confidence rally [May 28, 2009]
Consumer confidence in the overall economy moved up sharply in May, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The CEA-CNET Indexes also show that consumers continue to feel more confident about future spending on technology and consumer electronics (CE).
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) climbed in May, reaching 174.6, up nearly six ...
Vendor Advisory Committee nominations due July 1 [May 27, 2009]
Seven seats on APRO's Vendor Advisory Committee are up for election this year and the nomination process is now underway.
The Vendor Advisory Committee is open to any APRO Associate Member in good standing who desires to get more involved with the rent-to-own industry trade association.
The election will be held at the APRO Annual Convention and Buying Show ...
Cleek's annual bowling event tops $100K mark [May 27, 2009]
John Cleek Jr.'s sixth annual "Bowling for Autism" event earlier this month raised $21,400 for the Judevine Center for Autism in Columbia, Missouri, bringing the six-year fundraising total for the event to $106,000.
Money from the event held at the AMF Town and Country Lanes, in Columbia, Missouri, which involved 154 bowlers and a silent ...
Consumer confidence rallies for biggest jump in six years [May 27, 2009]
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index last month posted its largest month to month gain in six years, rallying to an eight month high as consumers continue to gain footing in an economy rife with sluggish economic factors.
The Index now stands at 54.9 (1985=100), up from 40.8 in April. The Present Situation Index increased to 28....
APRO's 2009 RAE Awards competition open [May 26, 2009]
Watch 2008 RAE Award Winners
The time is now for rent-to-own dealers to dust off their best advertisements from the past year and enter them in APRO's 20th anniversary Rental Advertising Excellence Awards competition.
EARLY DEADLINE: July 17th, 2009
LATE DEADLINE: JULY 24th, 2009! (You're punished a $5 late fee. We're in the RTO business remember!)
Download entry form ...
Lynn Porter of RentQuik dies [May 26, 2009]
Longtime APRO member Lynn Porter, 53, of RentQuik died this Sunday afternoon of cardiac arrest.
A memorial service has been scheduled for 4 p.m. at Freeman Harris Funeral in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Porter had been in business since 1985, and an APRO members since 1987, with six RentQuick stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Warr Acres, Oklahoma.
Friends and ...
Industry arguments begin in Mass. Supreme Court case [May 26, 2009]
Industry attorneys head to Boston June 9 to begin oral arguments before the Massachusetts Supreme Court over a multi-million dollar lawsuit that claims the state's 20 - year old RTO statute does not regulate RTO transactions. Read More.
Last December the lawsuit a Massachusetts Federal District Court sent the case -- - Silva et al v. Rent-A-Center -- to ...
Rent One first to donate to holiday fundraiser for troops [May 22, 2009]
JCOIF officials Sherri Meadows and Joyce Coorman accept a check from Rent One Owner Larry Carrico while Rent One managers Keen, Murray Beck and Trent Agin look on with other members of the JCOIF.
Larry and Sharon Carrico and the entire Rent One family Thursday, kicked off the 2009 fundraising campaign for the Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom Committee ...
FRDA signs up dealers for new skips/stolen database [May 21, 2009]
Florida rental dealers discuss a new skips/stolen database at their annual association meeting last September.
Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Rent King, and ColorTyme dealer Dave Pagano this week are the first companies to sign on to a new real time database rental dealers hope will allow them to reduce theft by identifying applicants who have stolen rental property in ...
Consumer protection, regulation drive credit card reform [May 20, 2009]
A sweeping bill that would tame "abusive" practices by the credit card industry could make it's way out of the U.S. House of Representatives today after passing the Senate yesterday on a 90-5 vote.
Propelled by a wave of anti-bank and pro-consumer sentiment, the bill would outlaw staple credit card industry practices such as surprise interest rate ...
Dolezal named new High Touch CFO [May 20, 2009]
New High Touch CFO Vernon A. Dolezal.
High Touch, a technology solutions provider, has hired Vernon A. Dolezal Jr., as director of finance and chief financial officer. The announcement was made by Wayne Chambers, High Touch CEO/president.
Dolezal has 20 years of finance and accounting experience, including corporate finance positions with The Carrier Corporation and Case-New Holland.
Most recently ...
Rental industry renews commitment to Congressional Black Caucus [May 20, 2009]
Bolstered by the support of state associations around the country, the rent-to-own industry will again donate over $50,000 worth of cash and products to the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Education Scholarship Fund -- an effort aimed at helping dedicated students meet their educational goals.
Rent-to-own industry professionals representing 17 state associations, 7,500 rent-to-own stores, vendors, public and ...
Call for APRO Board nominations [May 20, 2009]
In just over three months, members of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) will play a key role in shaping the course of the rent-to-own trade association and the industry as well.
Eight of 17 APRO Board seats are up for grabs at APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying Show Aug. 30 - Sept. 2 at Paris and Bally's, ...
ColorTyme, RimTyme name new communications head [May 19, 2009]
Ryan Alford, new corporate communications specialist for ColorTyme, RimTyme.
ColorTyme and RimTyme announced today the hiring of Ryan Alford as the new corporate communications specialist. In his new role, Alford will lead both brands’ public relations strategies, assist with internal communications and, most importantly, support franchisees.
Before joining ColorTyme and RimTyme, Alford was the corporate communications manager for Quiznos ...
Wayland Russell to headline Premier dealer retreat [May 19, 2009]
Wayland Russell, founder and former CEO of Rainbow Rentals, will address attendees at the Premier 2009 Dealer Retreat June 24.
Russell will focus on the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit and explain how Rainbow’s mantra – “More, Better, Different” – continually challenged those within the organization to take Rainbow’s performance off the charts and change the ...
Past APRO President heads rental sales for King Koil [May 18, 2009]
Glenn Davis of King Koil Mattress Company.
APRO past president Glenn Davis and Curtis Spain will head up the newly created national rental sales division for King Koil Mattress Company, he announced this week.
Davis was president of APRO in 1985 and served as secretary for six years. He was one of the founding members of the rent-to-own trade ...
Registration opens for 2009 Midwest RTO Training Expo [May 18, 2009]
Packed show floor at last year's Midwest RTO Expo.
Registration for the hottest regional RTO Training Expo has begun.
The sixth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the brainchild of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicks off September 29-30 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio and registration for the event begins today.
Last ...
New RTOHQ: The Magazine profiles industry lobbyists, "Niche" Connection [May 18, 2009]
By APRO Executive Director Bill Keese
Prior to becoming our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant was fond of sipping brandy and smoking cigars in the lobby of the famed Willard Hotel, just two blocks from the White House.
Folklore has it that America’s Civil War hero coined the term “lobbyist” to describe those who approached him seeking ...
Premier to host franchising open house [May 15, 2009]
The Premier Companies, one of the top five fastest growing young franchisors, is hosting an Open House for those interested in owning their own business or growing their business portfolio in the rent and sale of household, auto related and financial goods and services. The event will be held at the Atlanta Airport Marriott, Atlanta, Georgia, June 25.
Participants ...
Georgia Dealers welcome Loudermilk October 7 [May 14, 2009]
The Georgia Rental Dealers Association (GRDA) annual membership meeting will be held 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Marriot Airport Renaissance Hotel in Atlanta and will feature a talk from the head of Aaron's, Inc.
The meeting will precede the TRIB Group’s Meeting of the Minds also held on the 7th and 8th.
...
Arkansas dealers elect new board [May 14, 2009]
New ARDA Officers and Board members.
Around 30 Arkansas rental dealers met Wednesday to elect a new slate of board members and officers to their state dealers association and participate in a range of educational presentations at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in West Little Rock.
New board-members and officers are as follows: Scott Houchin,
president, FAN Sales and Leasing, ...
WVRDA elects new officers, sets course for future [May 13, 2009]
West Virginia Officers: vice president Josh Hendricks, president Mike Courts and secretary/treasurer Rebecca Hollen.
Around 16 rental dealers from 10 companies showed up at the Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna, West Virginia today to elect officers and come to grips with new regulations regarding the pricing of used merchandise.
Dealers elected a new board including president Mike Courts, ...
Hanover ColorTyme rallies community support for boy's heart transplant [May 13, 2009]
Residents of McSherrystown, Hanover and surrounding Pennsylvania communities -- including the Hanover ColorTyme -- are combining forces to raise funds for a local 10-year-old in dire need of a heart transplant.
The Community fundraiser is for Jarrett Peck a 10-year-old boy, who has had two open-heart surgeries, five stints, and three coils in his heart and lungs. He was ...
Re-tooled Heartland Show set for June 16-18 [May 12, 2009]
Dealers from at least five states will again head to the scenic Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri, for the fifth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar June 16-18.
Rent-to-own pros from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri are expected and dealers from other states are welcome at the annual event which ...
Does FTC "Red Flags" rule apply to RTO? [May 11, 2009]
Ed Winn III
By Ed Winn III, APRO Legal Counsel
There is considerable press and palaver about the new FTC Red Flags rule, and what companies must do to get in compliance with it. You can read all about the rule at www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule.
The first step to a proper interpretation and then implementation of the rule is ...
New ColorTyme opens with donation to child advocacy group [May 8, 2009]
Ribbon cutting ceremony for new ColorTyme in Augusta, Georgia.
Bud Evans, owner of the new ColorTyme franchise store in Augusta, Georgia, cut the ceremonial red ribbon in front of his store April 30 to kick-off the grand opening celebration.
Representatives from the mayor’s office and the chamber of commerce participated in the festivities, which included plenty of refreshments ...
Rent One takes on students in job shadowing program [May 8, 2009]
Rent One staffers Lori McGovern, Murray Beck, Chris Lowe and Donna Fally mentored local high school students in a job shadowing program Thursday.
Rent One's Mt. Vernon, Illinois corporate staff grew by four yesterday as part of a new job shadowing initiative aimed at giving local high school students a taste of the real world.
Students from Mt. Vernon ...
Easyhome Q1 results released [May 7, 2009]
Canadian-based rent-to-own Easyhome today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009.
Revenue for the quarter increased 10.2% to $43.9 million compared with $39.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. Operating income was $4.4 million, down from $5.7 million for the first three months of 2008. Net income for the ...
RTO vets open new Premier store in Coshocton, Ohio [May 7, 2009]
Jeff Gibson and Ron Semelsberger.
When Ron Semelsberger decided to join the RTO industry 23 years ago, he had no idea it would lead him and his family toward three acquisitions, six different relocations and the ability to one day own his own business as a Premier franchisee.
When Semelsberger and his partner Jeff Gibson and their team of ...
Arkansas dealers gear up for spring meeting [May 7, 2009]
Arkansas dealers from across the state will convene next Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in West Little Rock.
Members will elect directors to its board as well as officers during the packed agenda which also includes a talk by Chuck Sanders, Rent-A-Center Regional Director (R064) for the Dallas, TX area.
Lobbist Mark Lowery will brief attendees on the ...
CORT Furniture enters staging game [May 6, 2009]
Furniture rental company CORT is using its furniture muscle to help sell homes through a nationwide home staging program that will outfit empty homes homes for sale, according to the Washington Business Journal.
The Fairfax, Virginia-based company also runs a corporate relocation service that includes helping sell the homes of employees being relocated by their new or existing employer ...
Voting begins in Paul Davis' council race [May 5, 2009]
Riverside City Council Candidate Paul Davis of Nations Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast.
Rent-to-own veteran Paul Davis' bid for a seat on the Riverside, California City Council began in ernest Monday as voters began receiving ballots for the mail-only election that will determine three council races.
Davis, owner of two Nation's Rent-To-Own stores -- one in Riverside and the other ...
West Virginia dealers to study new pricing landscape, elect new officers [May 4, 2009]
WVRDA President Shawn DiLeo.
When Shawn DiLeo, spearheaded the re-organization of the West Virginia Rental Dealers Association (WVRDA) two years ago, he was glad to have six dealers show up.
A lot has changed since then.
After two years as the WVRDA president, DiLeo is no longer managing stores for a franchisee, he's become one. With three ColorTyme stores ...
RAC outfits rec-rooms for Fort Knox soldiers [May 4, 2009]
With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring program, soldiers at Fort Knox will enjoy new furnishings in six rest and recreation areas on the U.S. Army base. Three rooms in the 233rd Transportation Barracks, two rooms in the 19th Engineer’s Building and the reception area of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Building will receive the following ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from April 2009 Theft on the rise, lash back with world's first free GPS tracking devices [April 30, 2009]
Merchandise theft and loss costs Americans over an estimated 50 billion dollars every year. Globally, hundreds of billions are lost annually. IContain Aims to remedy this problem.
With the cost of loss prevention climbing in an effort to combat these increases in theft, loss, and damage, available solutions for protecting valuables are a major expense for many industries - ...
CEA: Net-enabled TV's in high demand [April 29, 2009]
Demand for Internet-enabled televisions is growing rapidly, according to a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The study, Net-Enabled Video: Early Adopters Only? found that about half of prospective TV buyers say they are likely to purchase an Internet-connected TV.
The study reveals numerous ways consumers would use an Internet-enabled TV. Nearly half (48 percent) of U....
Montana bill exempts rental goods from property tax [April 29, 2009]
A bill that will lighten the tax load on rent-to-own dealers in Montana became law last week after passing out of the state legislature one vote shy of unanimously.
The new law will exempt from personal property tax "property (that) is owned by a business whose primary business income is from rental or lease of personal property to ...
Imagery welcomes vendors, clients to new digs [April 29, 2009]
Imagery Principal Marty Smith (right) discusses the company's newest offering, variable print on demand solution iDemandNOW, with open house attendees.
After outgrowing their old digs and moving to a new building in April 2008, Imagery Marketing Group’s staff went to work. They worked on fliers and product development, on websites and TV production, logos, placement, and more.
By ...
GDP falls 6.1% in first quarter on record investment drop [April 29, 2009]
The U.S. economy again took a nosedive in the first quarter of the year as business investment declined at a record rate, the Commerce Department reported today.
Real gross domestic product -- the inflation-adjusted, seasonally adjusted value of all goods and services produced in the United States -- fell at a 6.1 percent annualized rate in the ...
RAC opens new store, commits $2,000 to Sheridan community [April 29, 2009]
Come April 1, customers in Sheridan, Wyoming, and surrounding communities have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers.
Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store at noon on Wednesday, April 29. Featuring 4,640 square feet of high-quality merchandise, the new store is located at 2240 Coffeen ...
Northwest Rental Dealers meet May 14 [April 28, 2009]
The Northwest Rental Dealers Association will meet May 14 for the group's annual business meeting at the La Quinta Hotel in Tacoma Washington.
The group, which represents the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, will meet to hear an update on Washington state legislative issues as well as a federal legislative update from APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn ...
Neyharts hold ColorTyme Easter Egg Hunt [April 28, 2009]
Lisa Neyhart, Easter egg hunt winner and Tom Neyhart.
Tom Neyhart stood at the front of his ColorTyme store with arms folded, surveying his place of business with a sly smile.
The store was clean and perfect, and everything was in place as usual – the electronics section was stocked with plenty of TVs, home stereo systems, digital video ...
Aaron's reports record Q1 revenues [April 28, 2009]
Aaron’s, Inc. Monday, announced revenues and earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
For the first quarter of 2009, revenues rose 15% to $474.0 million compared to $412.7 million for the same quarter a year ago. Net earnings from continuing operations were $35.4 million versus $22.6 million in 2008, a 57% increase. ...
Rent-A-Center reports first quarter 2009 Results [April 27, 2009]
Rent-A-Center today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
First Quarter 2009 Results
Total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 were $728.2 million, a decrease of $28.4 million from total revenues of $756.6 million for the same period in the prior year. This decrease in revenues was primarily the result ...
DiLeo opens third ColorTyme in Kentucky [April 27, 2009]
Shawn DiLeo last Friday, opened his third ColorTyme in the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Georgetown, Kentucky.
A ColorTyme franchisee since September 2008, DiLeo's two other stores, also in Kentucky, comprise the first phase of DiLeo's six store plan.
"This is a great time to be in rent-to-own," DiLeo said. "That zero percent financing is not around anymore ...
Buddy's car earns pole award at Talladega [April 27, 2009]
Tom Hessert and the Andy Belmont Racing Team accept the Menards Pole Award.
Tom Hessert, in the Andy Belmont Racing owned Buddy’s Home Furnishings #1 Ford Fusion, earned his 1st career Menards Pole Award for the ARCA RE/MAX 250 race on Friday, April 24th at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
"It's awesome," said Hessert. "It's definitely ...
Aaron's Q1 conference call tomorrow [April 27, 2009]
Aaron's Inc. will hold it's first quarter 2009 earnings conference call live tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Featured speakers include: Ken Butler, COO, Gilbert Danielson, EVP & CFO, Charlie Loudermilk, Chairman and Robin Loudermilk, President & CEO.
The Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership division has 983 company-owned stores and 483 franchised stores. The company’s corporate furnishings business ...
Fleet management systems key to RTO success [April 27, 2009]
In today’s business world, maintaining a strong competitive advantage is critical to achieving long term sustainable growth. In the past, RTO growth has been associated with effective marketing programs, improved customer service, and maintaining a great product margin.
However during these difficult economic conditions, business owners and managers must revisit the way they conduct their day to day ...
Sen. Bunning joins as co-sponsor [April 26, 2009]
Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning.
The office of RTO bill sponsor Sen. Mary Landrieu announced late Friday Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning, a member of the powerful Senate Banking Committee, has agreed to co-sponsor S. 738, the Senate version of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act.
The addition of Bunning brings the total number of Senate bill co-sponsors to nine and ...
New Senate co-sponsors announced [April 24, 2009]
Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe.
Two new Senate co-sponsors today agreed to co-sponsor the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, raising total co-sponsorship of S. 738 to eight.
Angélique Roché, legislative correspondent to bill sponsor Sen. Mary Landrieu, confirmed this morning that North Carolina Senator Richard Burr and Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe contacted Landrieu's office to co-sponsor the bill.
Sen. ...
Five new co-sponsors added, House total now at 71 [April 24, 2009]
RTO supporter Rep. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina.
The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act continues to gain momentum adding five new House co-sponsors today on the heels of a two week rally by rent-to-own dealers on Capitol Hill.
The new Congress members officially joined the Congressional Record this morning and raise total co-sponsorship on H.R., 1744 to 71.
...
Legislative momentum strong at APRO Conference [April 23, 2009]
Shannon Strunk and Cynthia Baber-Strunk with Sen. Roger Wicker. Wicker agreed to sign on as an RTO co-sponsor today.
Rent-to-own dealers and industry representatives headed to Capitol Hill en masse today for the second of a two day barrage of meetings with Congressional leaders in support of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act.
More than 150 from APRO's 2009 ...
Clay, Cleek announce 13 new co-sponsors at APRO reception dinner [April 22, 2009]
RNR founder Larry Sutton extends a hand of appreciation to Rep. William Lacy Clay at the APRO reception dinner Wednesday.
More than 100 rent-to-own dealers, vendors and their families tonight packed the historic O'Byrne Gallery at the Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to celebrate a growing chorus of support for the Consumer Rental ...
Industry hits Capitol Hill [April 22, 2009]
Bob Lawrence, Ernie Lewallen, Joel Ehrlich and Scott Kinnear at the Longworth House Office Building Wednesday.
Rent-to-own industry representatives from across the country this morning kicked off the first of a two day mission to send a message to the nation's lawmakers: rent to own legislation is good for consumers, good for business and good for the economy.
APRO ...
RTO synergy at APRO Legislative Conference opener [April 21, 2009]
Frank Davis, senior policy analyst to RTO bill sponsor Rep. William Lacy Clay, praises the industry Tuesday night.
More than 150 rent-to-own industry representatives from across the country packed the grand ballroom of the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. today to learn more about the intricacies of pending federal industry legislation and how to best explain those ...
Son joins father at Rent One [April 21, 2009]
Rent One owner Larry Carrico welcomes son Steven Carrico as the company's new property development manager.
Steven Carrico this week joined his father, Rent One owner Larry Carrico, on the Rent One team as the company's property development manager.
For the past two and a half years, Steven, 24, worked for RNR Custom Wheels and Tires, leading the sales ...
Premier in Dayton Awards High School Student with Computer [April 21, 2009]
Scott Kinnear with new laptop winner Austin Reid.
Dayton Premier Rental-Purchase, in conjunction with WRCX-TV 40 and The Ohio Lottery Commission, awarded Vandalia Butler High School Senior Austin Reid with a brand new Acer Lap Top Computer.
The computer was part of the Student Achiever Initiative, an award given quarterly to a student in the Dayton Miami Valley area ...
ColorTyme backs industry at APRO Legislative Conference [April 20, 2009]
ColorTyme, America’s oldest rental-purchase franchisor, has turned out in force for the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations’ (APRO) 2009 Dave Egan Legislative Conference scheduled for April 21 - 23 in Washington, D.C.
More than 150 attendees representing close to 50 rent-to-own companies will convene this week at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel for the trade association's 16th annual ...
Home Express expands with first licensee location [April 19, 2009]
Rent-to-own newcomer Home Express celebrated the grand opening of its first licensee location in Jeffersonville, Indiana Friday. With the strong performance of the six company owned locations, Penny Neace will head up Home Express' first licensee store and kick off a new development phase for the company, now only two years old.
Neace said says she is excited about ...
Rent One donates van to Danny Davis Computer Training Center [April 17, 2009]
Rent One's Trent Agin and Larry Carrico with Lowry Taylor.
Mt. Vernon Illinois-based Rent One yesterday donated a fully reconditioned van to an innovative Chicago based training program, named after rent-to-own bill co-sponsor Rep. Danny K. Davis.
The Danny K. Davis Job Training Program (DKDJTP) is a "hands on" curriculum that teaches computer repair and assembly skills to ...
Rent-A-Center helps boost Literacy program in Oswego County [April 17, 2009]
Xavier Dominicis (center), vice president public affairs for Rent-A-Center with Sen. Neil Breslin (l) and Jane Murphy, executive director for LIteracy Volunteers of Oswego County at the presentation of the new learning center for Literacy Volunteers at the YMCA in Oswego.
Rent-A-Center’s most recent Random Act of Caring in New York State brightened the day for literacy tutors ...
Countryside bowlers raise money for family fighting cancer [April 17, 2009]
Beulah, Brittney and Don Riffle at Countryside Rent-2-Own's "Bowling 4 Brittney" fundraiser.
Countless times Ben Davis has gotten sweaty and knocked down some wood at Trio Lanes in Wellston, Ohio. But never had hurling his ball down the alley had more meaning or impact than earlier this week, at the Bowling 4 Brittney fundraiser, sponsored by Countryside Rent-2-Own.
...
Ohio RTO rivalry enters round three [April 17, 2009]
Mike Tissot and Gary Ferriman compete for Ohio RTO bragging rights this week.
Ohio rent-to-own company owners Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals and Gary Ferriman of Showplace Rent To Own this week are furthering their legendary rivalry this week, pursuing a no holds barred rally to gain customers.
The contest, which will end this Saturday, is the third held ...
RTO House bill gains five, ups total to 53 [April 17, 2009]
Georgia Rep. Tom Price is the 14th member of the House Committee on Financial Services to support H.R. 1744.
Industry congressional leaders learned today five new House co-sponsors committed to support the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, marking the largest show of support prior to APRO's Annual Legislative Conference in the nine-session history of the bill.
Representatives Dr. ...
Bestway acquires F.A.N. stores [April 15, 2009]
Dallas-based Bestway Rent To Own, today announced the acquisition of four F.A.N. Rent To Own stores, raising the company's total store count to 77.
The four purchased stores are located in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway and Russellville, Arkansas. The acquisition leaves F.A.N. owner Geron Vail with 17 stores.
"We were excited about ...
Best: Briley, Sayre tie for top Aaron's franchise [April 14, 2009]
Kelly Sayre, owner of Alliance Rental, tied for Aaron's top franchise Tuesday.
Aaron's wrapped up its annual managers meeting Tuesday night, with a star studded awards banquet honoring the best performing franchises, company stores and managers at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
APRO Vice President Robert Briley and partner Terry Bilbrey, of Briley Investments, and ...
Aaron's guides massive community outreach in DC [April 14, 2009]
Aaron's emcee Michael Blair fires up runners before Aaron's first ever Wounded Warrior 5K at the company's annual managers meeting in Maryland.
More than 1,000 Aaron's franchise owners, managers and employees braved drizzly rain Tuesday morning to take part in the company's largest ever community outreach campaign involving some 5,600 hours and $500,000 in products and ...
Aaron Rents becomes Aaron's, Inc. [April 14, 2009]
Effective April 20, Aaron Rents, will change its name to Aaron's, Inc. according to Robin Loudermilk Jr., Aaron's president and CEO, who officially unveiled the new name Monday evening to 2,000 associates in attendance at Aaron's National Managers Meeting held in Washington, D.C.
"Aaron's is creating consistent brand messaging by bringing the corporate name in line ...
Aaron's launches managers meeting, historic community projects top agenda [April 14, 2009]
Aaron's Dream Team dancers kick off the company's national meeting at the Gaylord Convention Center in Maryland.
Close to 2,000 franchise owners, managers and divisional vice presidents from Aaron's 1,560 store rent-to-own chain opened the company's annual managers meeting Monday at National Harbor, Maryland, with a high energy pep-rally and general session that set the tone for ...
Easyhome 2008 annual report details new initiatives, growth opportunities [April 10, 2009]
Canadian-based rent-to-own company easyhome, today released it's 2008 annual report detailing the company's performance last year and growth opportunities for its franchise division, easygates, which is poised to open 10-15 new locations this year.
In the past five years, easyhome has expanded the number of stores from 131 to 229, its workforce to 1,425, and its customer base ...
TARA Convention and Buying Show exhibitor contracts available online [April 8, 2009]
Today, the Texas Association of Rental Agencies announced the dates for its 26th Annual Convention & Southwest Buying Trade Show will be October 11-12, 2009, at the Hotel InterContinental-Dallas, a few blocks from the Galleria shopping area.
"And this is only one of the many improvements your TARA Board of Directors has made over the past year," ...
ORDA elects Kinnear president, moves Midwest Expo dates [April 8, 2009]
New ORDA officers: (l to r) Joel Elrich, treasurer, Scott Kinnear, president, Mark Kohler, vp, Tony Craig, secretary (not pictured)..
Around 18 rent-to-own dealers from 11 companies turned out today for the Ohio Rental Dealers Association spring business meeting in Columbus where they elected a new president and set new dates for the group's regional trade show.
Scott Kinnear, ...
Conference sponsors support RTO legislative agenda [April 8, 2009]
APRO's 16th Annual Legislative Conference comes to Washington, D.C. April 21-23 and hundreds of rent-to-own dealers, vendors and employees will head to Capitol Hill to put a human face on the industry and urge passage of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- a bill that would regulate the industry and improve consumer protections.
Equally important to this ...
ColorTyme store manager supports child in need of heart transplant [April 8, 2009]
Maria Brooks, ColorTyme store manager in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Maria Brooks, ColorTyme store manager in Hanover, Pennsylvania, likes getting to know her customers.
She says over time she gets to hear their life stories and she feels lucky to be in a position to ‘hear and serve’. Her philosophy has recently become fortuitous for Dale and Shawntel Peck who ...
BlackBox GPS, TruckSkin partnership delivers strong ROI [April 7, 2009]
BlackBox GPS, a leading provider of GPS Monitoring Solutions for Delivery and Service Vehicles, today announced TruckSkin -- maker of interchangeable banners, decals, and adhesive wraps for fleet vehicles -- has become a Licensed BlackBox GPS Authorized Dealer.
The Authorized Dealer Agreement between BlackBox GPS and TruckSkin will provide approximately 5,000 TruckSkin customers with the option to add ...
RAC 2008 annual report: acquisitions, community intitiatives lead agenda [April 7, 2009]
Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own company, today released it's 2008 annual report on the company's investor relations Web page.
Download Rent-A-Center annual report here.
The 87-page report contains a forecast for future growth that details the opportunities for expansion both nationally and internationally through further acquisitions and consoladations.
"We plan to continue opening new stores in targeted markets ...
RAC lends hand to Pennsylvania fire victims [April 7, 2009]
With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, citizens of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, continue to piece together homes and communities destroyed by arson in dozens of fires in and around this struggling steel town.
Nearly 50 fires have been set in Coatesville since February 2008 and 20 nearby. Dozens of homes have been damaged and one life has ...
Almo adds Fujifilm digital cameras, accessories [April 7, 2009]
Almo Corporation today announced that Fujifilm's line of digital cameras and accessories is now available to their customers. As the nation’s largest consumer electronics and appliance distributor, Almo offers an extensive lineup of consumer-friendly digital imaging products from the industry’s top brands, which now encompasses Fujifilm.
Almo dealers can now offer Fuji’s FinePix point and shoot ...
Rent-to-Own stores saw furniture fly out the door in Q1 [April 6, 2009]
Furniture rentals were up for a number of franchise and independent rent-to-own dealers in the first three months of 2009, according to industry announcements and informal interviews.
ColorTyme, the nation's oldest rent-to-own franchise, announced today its franchisees reported an increase in furniture rentals in Q1 2009, even though traditional retailers held huge after-holiday clearance sales on big-ticket items such ...
Rent-A-Center seeks $150 million redemption [April 5, 2009]
Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced that it has provided notice to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, the indenture trustee, of its election to redeem $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 7½% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010 (the "Redeemed Notes"), at a redemption price equal to 100% of ...
Easygates announces new franchise stores in Texas and Arkansas [April 3, 2009]
Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, today announced two more franchises are opening stores in the U.S.
Both stores will open on April 4, one on South Congress in Austin, Texas and the other in the Geyer Springs Shopping Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
"We are excited to be bringing the easyhome concept to two new ...
Aaron's commits to historic community outreach in D.C. [April 3, 2009]
In two weeks, Aaron Rents will embark on a massive community outreach agenda in Washington, D.C. that will coincide with the company's national manager's meeting and first ever legislative conference.
Close to 2,000 franchise owners, managers and divisional vice presidents from Aaron's 1,560 store rent-to-own chain will head to D.C. April 13-15 for the company's ...
Epic Ventures sponsors senior essay competition [April 3, 2009]
Epic Ventures, a ColorTyme franchise company announced today it is sponsoring an essay competition for 2009 seniors graduating from high schools in the areas surrounding their Maryland stores.
Epic Ventures, ColorTyme will donate a laptop computer to the top two senior essays in this judged competition.
Essay Topic: With the election of Barak Obama to president, The United States ...
Zagar opens Premier store in Jacksonville, Florida [April 3, 2009]
New Premier Franchisee Mike Zagar.
Mike Zagar opened his Premier Rental-Purchase store in Jacksonville, Florida last month, armed with 14 years of industry experience. As a former Rainbow and RAC market manager, he was ready to take the next step and own his own business, turn a profit for himself and not an employer, and run things his way.
...
Aaron Rents Q1 2009 Earnings Conference Call April 28 [April 3, 2009]
Aaron Rents will hold its live Q1 2009 Earnings Conference Call on April 28 at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Featured speakers include: Ken Butler, COO, Gilbert Danielson, EVP & CFO, Charlie Loudermilk, Chairman and Robin Loudermilk, President & CEO.
More details.
mevans@rtohq....
Seven new co-sponsors join RTO House bill [April 3, 2009]
Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri is one of seven new co-sponsors to sign on to progressive rent-to-own legislation in the U.S. House.
Seven new co-sponsors today signed on to a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would define the rent-to-own transaction as a lease and provide safeguards for both the industry and consumers alike.
The ...
Oneida Rent-A-Center helps local family [April 1, 2009]
Oneida County Habitat for Humanity of New York state received a little help from the local Rent-A-Center store in Oneida, New York for one of the organization's most recent home building projects.
The Clark family of four began moving into their new Deansboro home in early March and was hoping for some new furnishings to complete the move.
Rent-A-Center ...
Credit-card reform bill edges out of committee [April 1, 2009]
Credit card reform legislation narrowly edged out of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee Tuesday on a 12 to 11 vote that has bolstered consumer groups and drawn the ire of financial firms who say the legislation will make it even more difficult to extend credit.
Passage of the new restrictions, according to some lawmakers and banking industry officials, ...
March consumer confidence flat [April 1, 2009]
The Conference Board, which tracks an index on consumer confidence, said the index, which had declined sharply in February, was flat in March.
The Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 26.0 (1985=100), up from 25.3 in February. The Board's Present Situation Index declined to 21.5 from 22.3 last month and the Expectations Index increased to ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from March 2009 Sen. Isakson supports RTO bill [March 31, 2009]
Georgia Sen. John Hardy "Johnny" Isakson
Georgia Sen. John Hardy "Johnny" Isakson this morning, signed on as the sixth co-sponsor of S. 738 -- The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- according to an aide with bill sponsor Sen. Mary Landrieu's office.
New co-sponsors typically appear in the Congressional Record after the request is submitted to the ...
Bird elected new vice president of NERDA [March 31, 2009]
NERDA Vice President Ray Bird.
The New England Rental Dealers Association (NERDA) this morning, elected ColorTyme Franchisee Ray Bird Jr. as the association's vice president.
Bird, who owns one store in Providence, Rhode Island, was elected at the association's first official meeting at the Mohegan Sun Casino, in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The new association -- which represents the states of ...
Sen. Landrieu introduces RTO companion bill [March 30, 2009]
U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu
U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) today, introduced the Senate version of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- S. 738 -- on the floor of the Senate with five original co-sponsors who have agreed to support the bill, which would define the no-debt rent-to-own transaction as a lease, not a sale, and introduce ...
Economy gives rise to increasing theft, insurance rates [March 30, 2009]
Jeanette Beardsley, CPIW, AIS with Walter L. Clark and Associates, an APRO endorsed insurance provider.
Rent-to-own store break ins are on the rise.
The industry has noticed an increase in store thefts, "smash and grabs" and vehicular "smash and grabs" especially in cases where jewelry cases or computers are visible from the outside.
"In the past ...
New York Assemblyman Camara introduces price control bill [March 27, 2009]
New York Assemblyman Karim Camara introduced Assembly bill 7180 that would impose price controls on rent-to-own agreements. Assembly bill 7180 is now the seventh negative bill introduced in the New York legislature this session.
Assembly bill 7180 has been referred to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee chaired by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer who is sponsoring additional legislation negatively affecting ...
New York dealers rally for uphill legislative battle, commit to Special Olympics [March 26, 2009]
From left: NYSRDA secretary/treasurer Greg Heck, president Dave Edwards, vice president Cathy Skula and Dwight Dumler, senior vice president of government affairs for Rent-A-Center.
New York rental dealers from across the state turned out Thursday to assess a gloomy state legislative climate that has already seen the introduction of six bills that would negatively affect rent-to-own here.
"We ...
UPDATED: Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act introduced with record 41 original co-sponsors [March 26, 2009]
U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay.
U.S. Congressman William Lacy Clay (D-MO) today introduced HR 1744, The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, on the House floor with a record 41 original co-sponsors already signed on in support of the legislation that would define the debt-free rent-to-own transaction in the federal code as a lease, not a sale, and ...
Delaware/New Jersey Rental Dealers Association formed [March 26, 2009]
Joe Romano, newly elected president of the Delaware/New Jersey Rental Dealers Association.
Over one dozen rent-to-own professionals representing six companies met yesterday to form the Delaware/New Jersey Rental Dealers Association at the Marriott Trenton in Trenton, New Jersey.
Attendees elected Joe Romano, regional director for Rent-A-Center, was elected the organizations first president, Tim Fogerty, an Aaron's franchisee, was elected ...
No fooling, High Touch is 25 [March 26, 2009]
Pioneering rent-to-own software company High Touch will celebrate 25 years of fine-tuning business software on April Fool's Day next week.
In a recent interview in the Wichita Eagle, High Touch co-founders Mark Lenz and David Glover said April 1 will mark the quarter century anniversary of the software company the two Wichita State University computer science grads founded with ...
Grace Family Soup Kitchen calls RNR home [March 26, 2009]
Volunteers from the Grace Family Soup Kitchen feeds the community from an RNR parking lot in Tampa, Florida.
If you’re ever ridden down E. Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, Florida, on a Monday or Tuesday evening, you can’t miss the crowd of people in front of RNR Custom Wheels & Tires.
In fact, sometimes the number is so ...
TRIB Group President Lewallen elected to third term [March 25, 2009]
Re-elected TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen.
In its final order of business Wednesday, the TRIB Group Board of Directors wrapped up the group's annual convention and buying show in Dallas by electing officers.
Current board president Ernie Lewallen, of UHR Rents, will retain his position after winning re-election by the board. Lyn Leach, of Ace Rent-to-Own, was re-elected vice ...
Rent-A-Center outfits new Big Brothers Big Sisters office [March 25, 2009]
With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters of Galveston will be able to better serve local youth and families from a fully furnished new office. Their previous location was destroyed six months ago when Hurricane Ike slammed ashore.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters is the oldest and largest one-to-one mentoring ...
New RTOHQ: The Magazine celebrates ColorTyme [March 25, 2009]
Introduction by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese:
Thirty years is a long time—and the world has changed considerably since 1979.
That year, the price of a first-class postage stamp was 15 cents; today, it is 42 cents (and, in May, will increase to 44 cents). The median household income 30 years ago was $16,461; today, it is ...
CEA-CNET: Consumer confidence highest in 13 months [March 25, 2009]
Consumer confidence in the overall economy increased in March to its highest level in more than a year, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET (www.CNET.com). Although consumers reported improved expectations for the broader economy, the CEA-CNET Indexes also show that technology spending continues to fall.
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer ...
Beville honored with top TRIB award, members purchase $23 million at tradeshow [March 24, 2009]
TRIB Executive Director Dennis Shields, "Slats" Award Winner Terry Beville and TRIB President Ernie Lewallen.
Long-time TRIB board member Terry Beville of Buddy's Home Furnishings was honored Tuesday night with the Norman W. "Slats" Slatton Sr. President's Award -- TRIB Group's most prestigious honor.
The award -- presented and awarded to a TRIB member who has made ...
VENDOR PODCAST: Ray Oribello, BriteLite [March 24, 2009]
Ray Oribello senior vice president of BriteLite. Listen to podcast.
Ray Oribello is the senior vice president of BriteLite a 14-year-old company that offers a line of DJ audio rack systems for home and professional use.
Kits start in the low $600's to the $1,200.
BriteLite is a first time vendor at the TRIB show this week in ...
NEW PODCAST: Ernie Lewallen, TRIB Group president [March 24, 2009]
TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen. Listen to podcast.
Ernie Lewallen, a 28-year rent-to-own veteran, has served as TRIB Group's president for the past two years. He also owns 10 UHR Rents stores and three customer wheel and tire rental stores.
Lewallen is a past APRO president who has been on the front lines politically since joining the association in ...
NEW PODCAST: Kevin Quinn, Quality Rentals [March 24, 2009]
Kevin Quinn of Quality Rentals. Listen to podcast.
Kevin Quinn is the owner of 20 Quality Rentals rent-to-own stores and two RNR Custom Wheels and Tires stores, all in Washington.
Kevin, a past president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, has been a TRIB Group member since the mid 1990's. Quinn has seen the industry through a number ...
VENDOR PODCAST: Tony Farrell, PTS Financial Services [March 24, 2009]
Tony Farrell of PTS Financial Services. Listen to podcast.
Tony Farrell is the owner of PTS Financial Services, one of the largest and oldest successful independent tax service providers in the country since 1988.
PTS Financial Services provides "in-store" tax services for rent-to-own dealers and was one of 85 participating TRIB approved vendors at TRIB Group's annual convention ...
TRIB Show rates a "win" for dealers, vendors [March 24, 2009]
Dick Klein of Steve Silver Company, shows off dinning room sets.
The TRIB Group wrapped up its 2009 Buying Show today with high ratings from both dealers and vendors who set up camp for the last two days at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, where a record 85 rent-to-own exhibitors sold to a hungry audience.
Jeannie Mendell, the ...
NEW PODCAST: Dan Fisher, Majik Rent-To-Own [March 24, 2009]
Dan Fisher of Majic Rent-To-Own of Pennsylvania. Listen to podcast.
Dan Fisher is the owner of four Majik Rent-To-Own stores in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg Pennsylvania.
Fisher got his start in rent-to-own in 1984 when his father -- who owned a video rental store -- started allowing customers to rent-to-own VCR's.
"We wanted to help our customers own ...
NEW PODCAST: David Moore, Marketing Director Countryside Rent-To-Own [March 23, 2009]
David Moore, marketing director, Countryside Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast.
David Moore is the Marketing Director for Countryside Rent-To-Own, one of the most active and dynamic rent-to-own companies in the country.
In this exclusive APRO Podcast, Moore, who has previously worked in newspaper and radio advertising before putting in his seven years with Countryside, talks about "aspirational marketing" and ...
NEW PODCAST: Lyn Leach, TRIB Group Vice President [March 23, 2009]
TRIB Group Vice President Lyn Leach of Ace Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast.
Lyn Leach is the vice president of TRIB Group a past president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations and owner of 14 Ace Rent-To-Own stores in Nebraska and Iowa.
Leach started in the rent-to-own industry in 1982. In addition to his vice presidency, Leach also chairs ...
TRIB elects board members, readies for new challenges [March 23, 2009]
Attendees at TRIB Group's annual membership meeting in Dallas.
TRIB Group members carried the momentum of last night's Hot Show -- in which rent-to-own dealers bought $3.6 million in special priced merchandise -- into their annual membership meeting in Dallas Monday morning, electing three new directors to their board and gaining focus for the year ahead.
Members re-elected ...
TRIB Hot Show posts $3.6 million, vendors honored [March 22, 2009]
Bidding frenzy at the TRIB Hot Show Sunday.
TRIB Group, the rent-to-own industry's seminal buying group, jump started its convention and buying show in Dallas Sunday, by racking up $3.6 million worth of purchase orders during the group's annual "Hot Show" auction.
Around 400 rent-to-own dealers and vendors packed the Coronado Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel ...
NYSRDA to stay legislatively responsive, active in community [March 21, 2009]
NYSRDA President Dave Edwards at the association meeting last year in Verona, New York.
The New York State Rental Dealers Association hopes to have a repeat performance of last year's highly attended meeting when it reconvenes next week at the Turning Stone Casino in Verono, New York March 26.
NYSRDA has proven one of the most legislatively proactive state ...
Franchising Times: Premier is 5th fastest growing young company [March 20, 2009]
Franchise Times today named Premier Rental Purchase the fifth fastest growing young franchise in its annual Fast 55 survey of franchise companies.
To make the list companies must be five years old or younger and must exhibit positive franchise unit growth for each year during this period.
Premier Rental Purchase, a division of the Premier Companies, showed an average ...
TRIB Appliance Focus: GE [March 19, 2009]
GE Appliances is behind a quiet revolution of the laundry business.
“Our newest top load washers using GE’s patented HydroWave Wash System are so technologically advanced that they not only do a better job of washing the clothes, but they do it in a very, very quiet way. So quiet, in fact, that GE has received service ...
TRIB Appliance Focus: Speed Queen [March 19, 2009]
Speed Queen has begun its second century in the laundry business by giving its commercial quality washer and dryers for the home a control makeover and new knobs.
“We’ve put quite a bit of time and thought into the newly designed graphics and control knobs. Our goal was to keep the simple, easy-to-use aspect of the control, ...
TRIB Appliance Focus: Whirlpool [March 19, 2009]
High-efficiency. Top-load. Hot new color – Lunar Silver. Put these three features together and you’ve got an idea of the Whirlpool brand Cabrio laundry pair’s unique position in the fabric care industry.
THE TOP-LOAD THAT SAVES LIKE A FRONT LOAD
Inside, innovations like the unique wash plate allow this laundry pair to provide superb efficiency while still ...
Premier's Trooper Earle on RTO and the current economy [March 19, 2009]
Premier's Trooper Earle
Most people, including me, had no idea just how bad the economy is and how terribly close to an economic meltdown – like the Great Depression – we came. Seriously, it was a matter of days before life as we know it was about to change overnight.
Does that sound too dramatic? If so, maybe it ...
TRIB Computers/Software Focus: CybertronPC [March 19, 2009]
As one of the premier computer vendors in the RTO Industry, CybertronPC, at the upcoming TRIB convention, introduces the newest edition to their gaming/desktop line-up: The “Ferrari Red” Formula 430 Model.
In the spirit of cutting-edge race car design, this sexy model is rendered in high gloss metallic automobile paint and comes with “attention grabbing” features that ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: D&H Distributing [March 19, 2009]
D&H Distributing, the national computer products and consumer electronics distributor, will feature Lenovo’s ThinkPad and IdeaPad Series notebooks and netbooks; plus the Aspire One netbook from Acer at booths T327 & T329 at the TRIB Group Show.
Both Lenovo and Acer offer high performance mobile units at affordable pricing, allowing RTO store owners and dealers to take ...
TRIB Computers/Software Focus: High Touch [March 19, 2009]
Helping its clients achieve a higher level of success is High Touch, Inc.’s continued service mission. The company’s software and solutions provided for Showplace, Inc., is an example of how the Internet is becoming a necessary business tool for increasing store revenues, says John Rogers, High Touch Sales Group Director.
Rogers noted that rent-to-own dealers are ...
TRIB Computers/Software Focus: PCRental Agent [March 19, 2009]
PCRental Agent this week announced the addition of a Rental PC Backup and Restore feature designed specifically for rent-to-own dealers. The feature - now part of the standard PCRental Agent software package - can restore used computers to rent-ready condition in thirty minutes.
PCRental Agent® is the most powerful monitoring and lockdown available. It is specifically designed for the ...
TRIB Computers/Software Focus: RSSS [March 19, 2009]
For over 25 years, RSSS has been a leading innovator of technological solutions for the rent-to-own industry. To continue that tradition, RSSS is proud to announce some exciting new items for the TRIB show including those that address online web payments.
Side effects of online web payments have been decreased past due accounts, increased late fees revenue, and the ...
Almo 2009 expos kickoff in May [March 19, 2009]
Almo brings new product lines and incredible buying deals to dealers nationwide through their 2009 Consumer Electronics & Appliance Expos.
Almo Corporation, a leading U.S. distributor of consumer electronics and appliances, today announced their 2009 Almo Consumer Electronics & Appliance Expo schedule. These regional expositions feature more than new products; Almo Dealers have access to free manufacturer trainings, ...
Rent-A-Center opens first Better Living Store, donates $3,000 [March 19, 2009]
Customers in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and surrounding communities now have a new choice available when it comes to leasing or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Featuring approximately 3,800 square feet of high-quality merchandise, the store is located at 650 Portland Street in Dartmouth.
Better Living will celebrate the opening of its first location with a ribbon-cutting ...
TRIB Furniture Focus: Ashley Furniture [March 18, 2009]
As the nation's top-selling furniture brand, Ashley Furniture Industries continues to dominate the industry and differentiate its offerings by working directly with rent-to-own companies as a complete business partner.
"What some other companies might call ‘sales reps' our company calls ‘marketing specialists'," said Jim Williams, vice president of sales for Ashley's Upholstery Division. "There ...
TRIB Furniture Focus: Home Line Industries [March 18, 2009]
Home Line Industries headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, strives daily to be the most reliable supplier of home furnishings in the industry. With over 40 years experience, Home Line has evolved from a furniture store, to a wholesale distributor, to an international furniture source that caters to retailers throughout the United States.
Home Line boasts a total of one million ...
TRIB Furniture Focus: Serta [March 18, 2009]
Serta Mattress will be offering tremendous savings on its popular mattress collections as well as a one-time only advertising offer to RTO partners at the upcoming Buying Show in Dallas.
The bedding brand leader is offering a show exclusive of $50 off any Queen or King Perfect Sleeper set as well as $50 off any Queen or King size ...
TRIB Furniture Focus: Welton USA [March 18, 2009]
Welton USA has designed, assembled and distributed high quality furniture for over 25 years. Welton provides exceptional furnishings for the furniture industry. Our exacting standards have earned the trust of furniture customers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Welton USA's 552,000 square foot distribution center is centrally located in Coppell, TX (near the Dallas Fort-Worth Airport). ...
TRIB Games Focus: Florida State Games [March 18, 2009]
Florida State Games offers gaming expertise to dealers and merchandise for a growing $19 billion industry. There’s no denying that video games are an extremely profitable and expanding RTO category now reaching every age demographic and economic level.
Retail sales in the video game industry approached $19 billion in 2008; industry projections suggest 2009 sales over $21 billion. ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Central File Marketing [March 17, 2009]
Central File Marketing has long been the industry leader specializing in direct mail marketing. Since 1994 Central File has been developing and producing successful direct mail campaigns that get "trackable results"!
"We do one thing and we do it better" says Al Benson, sales director, since 1999. Our company owes much of its success to the ...
DSI announces electronic expos [March 17, 2009]
DSI Systems is proud to announce their 2009 Electronic Expos coming to Dallas on April 8th, Phoenix on April 29th, Columbus on May 6th, Atlanta on May 13th and Des Moines on May 20th. Each Electronic Expo will feature a tradeshow style environment where dealers will be able to interact with all DSI vendors.
Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Pioneer, LG, Sharp, ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Blackbox GPS [March 16, 2009]
BlackBox GPS, a new APRO associate member, announces the release of a remarkable, yet easy-to-use, GPS monitoring application specifically designed for tracking and monitoring RTO delivery vehicles at an exceptionally low cost.
In partnership with TRIB Group, BlackBox GPS offers their members GPS fleet monitoring solutions which provide the ability to monitor and locate company vehicles, assets, and drivers ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Benefit Marketing Solutions [March 16, 2009]
Economic times are difficult. The jobless rate is the highest it’s been in the past 25 years. Over seven percent of Americans are out of work. Customers are being laid-off. Companies are downsizing or closing, Jobs are being terminated. This affects your business because when this happens to a customer they typically cannot keep their merchandise.
Help your ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: DATATrue [March 16, 2009]
It’s a fact of life that not everyone is as honest as we’d like them to be. While some omissions of fact may be innocent enough (such as inadvertently switching digits in a phone number) others are not (falsifying a social security number). Regardless of which occurs in your rental store, DATATrue makes it possible for store ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Imagery Marketing Group [March 16, 2009]
Known by many as the premier advertising agency of the RTO industry, Imagery Marketing Group supports its substantial rent-to-own client base with a multimedia marketing approach that empowers clients to reach their audience through TV, radio, web, and print advertising.
“We encourage our clients to increase brand awareness through sight, sound, and interactive experience,” Imagery principal Marty ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: O'Rourke Sales Company [March 16, 2009]
O’Rourke Sales Company is the leader in distribution for the RTO industry, being a preferred supplier for over 40 years.
Adding Kenmore, America’s most recognized appliance brand, delivers rental customers affordability without sacrificing quality and reliability. The addition of Kenmore’s complete lineup of refrigeration, ranges and laundry products enables OSC to service the RTO dealer like ...
TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: SED [March 16, 2009]
SED International announced it will be exhibiting at the TRIB Brandsource Summit in Dallas, March 22-25, 2009. A leading distributor in the rent-to-own market, SED has been a long-time partner with the TRIB group, exhibiting at past events and providing its members with custom product and program solutions.
SED supplies a large selection of computer technology and consumer electronics ...
TRIB Specialty Products/Services Focus: Silko Radio [March 16, 2009]
Silko Radio has been in business for over 40 years specializing in refurbished consumer electronics with an emphasis on Sony laptops, digital cameras, and small electronics including several brands of GPS devices and LCD TV's and home theatre systems.
Silko Radio has four warehouse distribution centers in the U.S. and is also one of the largest distributors of ...
Keller's to Aaron's conversion finalized [March 16, 2009]
A second Missouri rent-to-own chain today, finalized an agreement with Aaron Rents to convert four of its five stores to Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership franchise stores.
John and Barb Keller, owners of five Keller's Rental Place Stores in five separate cities will sell their St. Roberts store to another Aaron's Franchisee, Kevin Welker, according to the terms of ...
TRIB Group rallies for annual buying show blitz [March 16, 2009]
TRIB Group, America's oldest and most respected rent-to-own buying group, will again co-locate with the nation's largest retail buying group, AVB-BrandSource, for TRIB's annual buying show and membership meeting March 22-25 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, next week where more than 80 rent-to-own exhibitors will show their wares across 128,000 square feet of floor space.
The ...
Florida dealers to team with state AG against cybercrime, meet 19 legislators [March 16, 2009]
FRDA members meet with Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.
The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) marked it's 10th annual state legislative conference with a meeting with Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum March 11 in Tallahassee.
Florida dealers had an informal "sit-down" with McCollum to discuss the rent-to-own industry in Florida as well as some of the AG's initiatives ...
Credit Limits and Credit Scores Continue to Shrink [March 13, 2009]
The Federal Reserve reported 45% of of U.S. banks reduced credit limits for new or existing credit card customers in the fourth quarter of 2008. Add to the fact that financial analysts predict that up to $2 trillion in credit card lines will be eliminated in the next year and interest rates climbing, consumers are feeling the squeeze ...
RAC donates $2,000 to new home Colorado Springs [March 12, 2009]
Starting tomorrow, customers in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13. Featuring 3,744 square feet of high-quality merchandise, the new store is located at 320 Main ...
Sen. Schumer supports creating Consumer Protection Commission [March 12, 2009]
U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer.
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) announced today he is co-sponsoring legislation by U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to create a Financial Product Safety Commission, a single government agency in charge of ensuring consumer protections regarding financial products. The proposed commission is in response to the current crisis eroding consumer confidence.
...
Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefits from Rent-A-Center Fund-Raiser [March 12, 2009]
From March 13 through April 11, customers and area residents can visit their neighboring Rent-A-Center to donate one dollar and sign a colorful spring egg to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Rent-A-Center's more than 3,000 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico participate in the yearly fund-raiser.
"Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters ...
Rent-to-own tips for consumers in tough economic times [March 9, 2009]
In tough economic times, rent-to-own can be a viable means for millions of American consumers to acquire appliances, furniture, electronics and computers, according to a recent article on MSNBC.
Especially at a time when consumer credit is scarce and when existing credit lines are being cut, the rent to own transaction can be especially useful to the credit-challenged because ...
Easyhome Q4 report caps "challenging and disappointing year" [March 5, 2009]
easyhome, today announced its fourth quarter earning results for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 was $44.1 million, an increase of $5.3 million or 13.5% compared with the same period a year ago. Operating income decreased to $3.4 million from $5.2 million a year earlier. Net ...
Kniesly takes reigns of GRDA [March 5, 2009]
New GRDA President Dan Kniesly of Easy Rentals.
The Georgia Rental Dealers Association (GRDA) Board of Directors, unanimously affirmed Dan Kniesly of Easy Rentals as the new GRDA president during a conference call yesterday .
Dan replaces former GRDA president Andrea Bozeman, who resigned recently due to personal reasons. Bozeman remains an active member of the GRDA board.
Dan, the ...
Florida Dealers head to capital next week [March 5, 2009]
Members of the Florida Rental Dealers Association head to Tallahassee, Florida, next week for their annual state legislative conference March 10-12.
This marks the 10th year Florida dealers have made an appearance on the state house steps and the effort has paid off in the eyes of FRDA President Chris Kale of Rent King.
"Everything's good here right ...
Dodd, Schumer aim to strengthen consumer protections [March 4, 2009]
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said Tuesday a new emphasis on consumer protections would accompany the coming overhaul of the nation’s financial regulations, according to Congressional Quarterly.
According to the article, Dodd cites a failure to adequately protect consumers and investors as the starting place for the current financial crisis.
...
Premier's Serina opens computer repair service in Newberry [March 4, 2009]
Bob Serina family.
Premier Rental-Purchase owner Bob Serina announced today he will will expand his furniture, appliance and computer rental business in Newberry, South Carolina, to include computer repair.
According to Serina, the service has been long awaited in Newberry County, the closest alternative being 35 miles away. He says he will utilize the skills of computer technology graduates ...
Buddy's grows legacy with licensing expansion [March 3, 2009]
Buddy's Home Furnishings -- one of the premier independent rent-to-own companies -- is continuing its tradition of innovation and customer service through an aggressive licensing campaign that has expanded the company by 16 stores and five states in just under two years.
Under the direction of seasoned RTO veteran Todd Homberger, president of franchising at Buddy's since 2008, the ...
Whirlpool awarded 10th Energy Star Award [March 3, 2009]
Whirlpool, the world’s leading home appliance manufacturer, has been recognized with the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The award recognizes the company’s leadership in offering consumers appliance energy and water efficiency through its portfolio of brands. This is the company’...
Americans saving more, January spending at two year high [March 2, 2009]
U.S. households saved most of the extra income they got in January from annual cost-of-living raises, boosting personal savings rates to the highest they've been since 1994 according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
Annual pay raises and cost-of-living increases sent disposable real incomes higher in January and at the fastest pace since May. Real disposable incomes increased ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from February 2009 Rentastic '09: Self-evaluation, work-life balance top meeting [February 27, 2009]
Rent One management team at annual membership meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Rent One senior and store managers from across the company's 42 store network suited up this week for Rentastic '09 -- Rent One's annual managers meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where the company celebrated it's successes and set the bar for another ambitious year.
A special speaker ...
RimTyme makes tracks in Ohio, opens first store in Whitehall [February 26, 2009]
Fast-growing custom-wheels-and-tires retailer RimTyme has opened its first Ohio store at 310 E. Main Street at Robinwood Avenue in Whitehall, the company has announced.
RimTyme stores specialize in quality wheels and tires from major manufacturers and offer immediate while-you-wait installation. RimTyme said its huge inventory and wide range of purchase and payment options have made it popular with auto ...
Leadership changes mark high energy Kentucky meeting [February 26, 2009]
KYRDA Board of Directors.
The Kentucky Rental Dealers Association (KYRDA) yesterday showed just what a difference a year can make.
More than 30 dealers representing 15 rental companies turned out for KYRDA's annual membership meeting in Louisville -- an impressive show of strength for an organization that was only re-organized last year under the leadership of its president Chris ...
American Rental, Colorama acquire Zion's Rental Purchase stores [February 26, 2009]
David P. David, American Rental.
Bloomington, Indiana, based American Rental recently acquired four of five Zion's Rental Purchase stores in a deal finalized late yesterday that will raise the company's total store count to 54.
David P. David, owner of American Rental, said part of the arrangement, which originally involved purchase of all five stores, included selling Zion's Barbourville ...
SEI/Aaron's celebrates excellent 2008 performance on cruise [February 26, 2009]
Top SEI performers: John Saladin (District Manager Western Mass stores), Manny Correia (GM F600) Meriden, CT), Julio Velazquez (GM F262 Lawrence, MA), Patrick Courtney (GM F328 Springfield, MA ) and Rob Stevenson (GM F116 Springfield, MA).
SEI/Aaron’s, Aaron’s largest franchisee with seventy one stores in the northeast, recently celebrated the company's 2008 excellent performance on a cruise ...
Can RTO fit Obama's call for new regulation? [February 25, 2009]
In his bicameral address Tuesday, President Barrack Obama outlined a blizzard of programs and reform efforts including an overhaul of financial regulations, tax relief provisions and stimulus spending aimed at increasing consumer lending and creating jobs.
The president's foremost message and mission -- that of market regulation and job creation -- continues to harmonize with the fundamental elements of ...
Consumer confidence plummets to all time low in February [February 24, 2009]
The consumer confidence index, which had decreased moderately in January, declined in February, reaching yet another all-time low, according to data released today by The Conference Board.
The Index now stands at 25.0 (1985=100), down from 37.4 in January. The Present Situation Index declined to 21.2 from 29.7 last month. The Expectations Index decreased to ...
Economy transforming rent-to-own's public image [February 24, 2009]
Positive news coverage of the rent-to-own transaction and its value in a declining economy continues as the financial outlook for millions of Americans remains uncertain.
Two recent stories in Georgia and Colorado illustrate this trend as news reporters clamor for fresh stories to contrast against the bleak retail, business and banking news that continues to dominate local and international ...
New "invisible asset management" products could help RTO industry reduce collections [February 23, 2009]
Collecting has always been the obvious, though arguably less enjoyable dynamic of renting, taking up as much as 16 percent of a rental operation's time and earning variable degrees of results.
Today, new APRO Associate member IContain says it will transform the business of collections with it's new "invisible asset management" line of products -- systems that combine ...
DSI Systems and Wilson Electronics partner for better cell connections [February 23, 2009]
Wilson Electronics, the leading provider of quality amplifiers and antennas for cellular phones and data cards, today announced its partnership with DSI Systems, the largest national distributor of television, DIRECTV, and accessories. The partnership provides Wilson Electronics’ superior line of in-building cellular amplifiers and antennas to DSI Systems’ customers to maintain better cellular connections for home or office use.
...
Stealth Security rolls out wireless surveillance technology [February 21, 2009]
Next Friday, Stealth Security will take the next leap forward in cutting edge video surveillance technology.
That's when the company will unveil it's Smartvue S8 -- the latest in surveillance and security product development -- a line of state of art wireless security cameras and digital video recorders.
Stealth Security has had a plug and play security system for ...
Rent One, Carricos honored at United Way function [February 21, 2009]
United Way President Lane Harvey and Campaign Chairman Brett Hall present Rent One Owners Larry and Sharon Carrico and Rent One Manager Donna Fally with special awards Friday night.
The United Way of South Central Illinois honored Rent-One owners Larry and Sharon Carrico and the entire company last night for their support of United Way over the last 20 ...
UPDATED: Bolin elected to APRO Board [February 20, 2009]
Click to play video.
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Board of Directors Friday, elected Chris Bolin of Bolin Rental Purchase as its newest board member.
Bolin, who was elected during a tele-conference board meeting, will fill a vacancy left by Larry Goad, who recently resigned his board seat and is in the process of selling his Zion Rental ...
Analysis: Rent-A-Center settlement in West Virginia [February 20, 2009]
By APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III
APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III.
Rent-A-Center recently settled a class action lawsuit over RTO pricing issues that had been pending against the company in West Virginia federal district court since October of 2006.
In the settlement, RAC agreed to pay $3.5 million into a fund to be administered by a ...
Countryside Rent-2-Own honors company best [February 20, 2009]
Top performers sport special awarded Rent-2-Own leather. Identification below.
Tax refund money was flowing in the marketplace last week, but all 23 Rent-2-Own stores in Ohio and Kentucky were closed and no one was answering the phones.
Yet Countryside Rentals’ President Mike Tissot was still smiling at more than 200 employees, plus more than 20 valued vendors, who gathered ...
Rent-A-Center teams with Magic Johnson for all-star ad campaign [February 20, 2009]
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Rent-A-Center announced today the launch of an integrated advertising campaign featuring basketball hall-of-famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Touching upon themes of respect and the achievement of goals, the ads spotlight Rent-A-Center’s exclusive Worry-Free Guarantee, introduced in last year’s advertising campaign.
Created by Dallas ad agency Launch, the 15- and 30-second TV and radio ...
Indiana to become first state to prohibit reserve accounts [February 19, 2009]
A bill that passed the Indiana House of Representatives last night could make Indiana the first state in the country to prohibit reserve accounts.
The bill is a compromise of sorts, one reached through negotiations with the Indiana Rental Dealers Association over the past several weeks. The bill language prohibits the use of "reserve" or "suspense" accounts ...
Vendor training to highlight Heartland Show [February 19, 2009]
Re-elected MRDA Officers l to r: vice president J.C. Cox, secretary-treasurer Trent Agin, president John Cleek Jr.
Missouri Rental Dealers Association officials topped a day's worth of legislative updates, leadership training and networking Tuesday by electing two new board members and adding a vendor training day to the group's annual Heartland of America show schedule.
More than 100 ...
NEW PODCAST: John Cleek Jr., president MRDA [February 19, 2009]
John Cleek Jr., MRDA president and Aaron's franchisee. Listen to podcast.
John Cleek Jr., an Aaron's franchisee, is serving his third year as president of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association.
In this exclusive podcast, Cleek discusses his take on the MRDA board's recent decision to add "vendor" training to the association's highly successful Heartland of America Tradeshow.
Cleek ...
NEW PODCAST: Gary Romine, Show Me Rent To Own [February 19, 2009]
Gary Romine of Show Me Rent To Own. Listen to podcast.
Gary Romine is a past president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations and a current board member of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association.
Romine opened his first Show Me Rent-To-Own in 1988 and now runs nine stores in Missouri. His passion for politics led to positions as ...
NEW PODCAST: Dan Cole, National Rent To Own [February 19, 2009]
Dan Cole, National Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast.
Dan Cole is an MRDA Board Member and its political action committee chairman who opened his first National Rent To Own -- now a 33-store chain located mostly in metropolitan St. Louis -- in 1984.
MRDA's decision to incorporate a training program into its annual Heartland of America Tradeshow is one that ...
Missouri bill defines leased property theft [February 18, 2009]
The Missouri Legislature has introduced a bill that will more clearly define the crime of leased property theft.
The bill H.B. 741, introduced Tuesday by Republican James Viebrock, introduces a number of definitions that specifically relate to the failure to return rental property as stipulated or to pay charges agreed upon in a written contract.
The act also ...
Whirlpool wins prestigious education award [February 17, 2009]
Whirlpool Corporation recently became the first appliance manufacturer to be honored with the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES) Award for Excellence.
“Whirlpool Corporation's heavy involvement in the architecture community enables it to create significant and inspiring educational tools for today's architects," said Thom Lowther, senior director of AIA Continuing Education Systems. "It's ...
MRDA to shake up Heartland Show format [February 17, 2009]
The Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) Board of Directors will vote Wednesday on a number of issues including election of officers and potential changes to the association's annual Heartland of America Trade Show.
Over 100 Missouri dealer's from across the state will head to Columbia, Missouri for MRDA's annual membership meeting at the Courtyard Marriot Hotel.
Chief among discussion ...
Aaron's Q4: Same store revenues up 6.2 percent [February 16, 2009]
Aaron Rents today announced revenues and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
As previously announced, on November 6, 2008 the Company consummated the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Aaron's Corporate Furnishings division. The Company no longer includes the revenues and expenses of the Aaron's Corporate Furnishings division in its ...
TRIB Group's Wicker honored for five years service [February 16, 2009]
TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields presents services coordinator Karl Wicker with his five year service pin.
TRIB Group, the nation's oldest and most respected rent-to-own buying group recently honored services coordinator Karl Wicker with his five year anniversary pin.
Wicker, who provides communication support between vendors and dealers at TRIB, was no stranger to buying groups when he ...
Tom Bailey opens ColorTyme in Wilmington [February 14, 2009]
New ColorTyme franchisee Tom Bailey.
When Tom Bailey decided to open his own rent-to-own franchise store after 21 years on the corporate side of the RTO business, he began a very deliberate search for just the right franchise brand and just the right store location.
“I knew that opening my own RTO store would be a key milestone ...
Shuler, Peters put Premier footprint on Nebraska [February 13, 2009]
Mike Shuler and Heath Peters.
Until recently, Kearney, Nebraska offered only one place to shop for rental-purchase customers. But industry veterans Mike Shuler and Heath Peters brought new life and some welcome changes in their town upon opening their Premier Rental-Purchase store late last year.
The first and hardest part – getting their doors open – is over, and ...
Illinois rental dealers push for training program in St. Louis [February 13, 2009]
Representatives from St. Louis-based Metropolitan Education Center, IRDA, Rent One, Rep. William Lacy Clay's office and Chicago-based Danny Davis Training Program met in St. Louis Thursday.
An innovative Chicago-based job training program may soon expand to St. Louis thanks to the efforts of Rent One and the Illinois Rental Purchase Dealers Association (IRDA).
Rent One yesterday made its second ...
Retail sales rebound mildly in January [February 13, 2009]
January sales of consumer electronics and major appliances rose 2.6 percent from December to $8.7 billion but decreased 7.8 percent year over year, according to figures released today by the U.S. Commerce Department.
According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales on the whole for January (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased ...
Pioneer exits TV business, will cut 6,000 jobs; Vizio drops plasmas [February 12, 2009]
Pioneer Electronics, the world's fourth-largest maker of plasma televisions, today announced it was exiting the flat-panel TV business and will shed 6,000 full time workers and 4,000 temporary workers by March 2010, according to Business Week.
The company will end in-house development immediately.
The news comes on the heels of reports earlier this week that Vizio will ...
LG Electronics supports DTV delay [February 12, 2009]
When President Obama signed legislation setting June 12 as the date for the final phase of the nation's transition from analog to digital television (DTV) broadcasting, Michael Ahn, president and CEO of LG Electronics North America, applauded the action and pledged his company's full ongoing support:
"LG Electronics believes that the temporary delay in the digital TV transition ...
Dealers give high marks to Vegas Market at special reception [February 11, 2009]
Rent-to-own dealers at the APRO and Ashley hosted reception in Las Vegas Tuesday night.
More than 20 rent-to-own professionals representing companies from around the country made their way to the Ashley Furniture Suite Tuesday evening after a hectic day of pricing and shopping at the Las Vegas Winter Market.
Contrary to other retail sectors, rent-to-own dealers attending the special ...
Vegas Market attendance down, but higher than expected [February 10, 2009]
Quality Rentals buying team at Las Vegas Market. Owners Kevin and Angela Quinn, center.
Buyers and designers from around the world are driving attendance at the 2009 Winter Las Vegas Market higher than anticipated, with overall attendance slipping a mere two percent compared to last January's market.
The first major home furnishings market of the year kicked off on ...
TruckSkin unveils "see-through" store signage [February 10, 2009]
Joe Lapekas displays TruckSkin's latest transparent marketing product -- "Window View Through".
TruckSkin, maker of interchangeable banners, decals and adhesive wraps for fleet vehicles, introduces its latest advertising innovation with "Window View Through" decals at the 2009 Winter Las Vegas Market.
TruckSkin President Joe Lapekas designed the product when he heard that dealers in some areas who ...
Twin Star "Plug N' Play" products offer elegant practicality [February 10, 2009]
Jim Gaffey, senior vice president of business development for Twin Star, shows off Tresanti's "Waverley" line.
Twin Star's track record of innovation continues at the Winter Las Vegas Market where, in a special reception Monday, the company unveiled new innovations to its Tresanti brand that will change the relationship between furniture and home electronics.
Tresanti's "Plug N' ...
RimTyme opens new stores in Houston [February 9, 2009]
RimTyme District Manager Johnny Clark.
RimTyme today announced the opening of two new locations in Houston bringing the company's total corporate owned store locations to nine.
The new stores -- on Jones Road and Veterans Memorial Drive -- join the current RimTyme store on Bissonnet in southwest Houston that opened last year. All three RimTyme stores specialize in quality ...
Las Vegas Market promises dealers tools to thrive in down economy [February 9, 2009]
This week’s Las Vegas Market, held Feb. 9 – 13, will present 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 2009.
APRO will host a hospitality suite, generously sponsored by Ashley Furniture, Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5-6:30 p.m., Ashley ...
Pennsylvania dealers raise $12,500 for Special Olympics [February 6, 2009]
Torch icons cover the front counter at Dan Fisher's Majic Rent To Own store.
The Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers (PARD) raised nearly $12,500 this January, for the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania 2009 Winter Games in Johnston.
PARD will present the check at the games where more than 300 athletes from across the state will compete in a ...
NRF says stimulus bill falls short for consumers, urges sales tax holiday [February 6, 2009]
The National Retail Federation today told the Senate that economic stimulus legislation under consideration fails to do enough for consumers, and repeated its call for a series of national sales tax holidays intended to jumpstart spending.
“We are extremely concerned that it (economic stimulus package) does not do enough to immediately stimulate consumer spending or to preserve the ...
DiLeo opens second ColorTyme [February 5, 2009]
ColorTyme's Shawn DiLeo.
Shawn DiLeo is wasting little time expanding his ColorTyme franchise with the opening of his second store just four months after his first.
DiLeo opened his second ColorTyme store this Monday in Somerset, Kentucky and will hold a community-wide grand opening on March 21.
The 4,700 square foot store is one of three the RTO ...
Buddy's Home Furnishings to sponsor Tom Hessert at Daytona |
