Rent-A-Center is a leading rent-to-own retailer specializing in furniture, electronics, appliances, and computers. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1980, the company is now headquartered in Plano, Texas.

It began franchising in 2013 and has since expanded to over 2,000 company-owned stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, along with approximately 400 franchise locations.

The franchise offers customers brand-name products like Ashley Furniture, Whirlpool appliances, and Samsung electronics under flexible lease-to-own agreements. With no long-term obligations, customers can enjoy benefits such as same-day delivery, early purchase discounts, and a Worry-Free Guarantee.

Training

Rent-A-Center provides a structured training program to ensure franchisees and their managers are equipped to run operations effectively. The training includes various mandatory and optional components tailored to experience levels and operational needs. The following outlines the key training programs:

1. Initial Training Program: Franchisees and their managers must complete an initial training program unless the franchisor deems it unnecessary due to prior experience. The franchisor provides instructors, facilities, and training materials, while franchisees bear the costs for travel, lodging, and other expenses.
2. Ongoing Training and National Convention: Franchisees must attend any additional mandatory training programs designated by the franchisor, including an annual National Convention. One representative with ownership in the franchise is required to attend, and all related expenses must be covered by the franchisee.
3. Employee Training: Franchisees are responsible for training and retraining other employees as they deem necessary. If new managers are hired later, they may also be required to complete the initial training at the franchisee’s expense.
4. Optional Additional Training: If requested and approved, franchisees can receive additional training from the franchisor. However, all costs associated with this extra training must be paid by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Rent-A-Center grants franchisees a Protected Territory around their store, within which it won’t authorize another Rent-A-Center store using the same marks. However, this protection is non-exclusive. The franchisor may operate or license other businesses, even similar ones, under different names within the same area.

Franchisees are not guaranteed rights to expand or acquire nearby locations, and no compensation is offered if the franchisor sells in the territory through other means, including online. If Rent-A-Center acquires a competitor in the territory, the franchisee may be given a limited option to purchase that store.