<ARTICLE> 5

<LEGEND> THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM 
AARON RENT'S QUARTERLY REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 
30, 1995 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1995
<CASH>                                              96
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    8,570
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0<F1>
<INVENTORY>                                    120,484<F2>
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F3> 
<PP&E>                                          23,181
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0<F1><F3>
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 155,739
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F3>
<BONDS>                                              0
<COMMON>                                         5,999
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      83,429
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   155,739
<SALES>                                         25,990
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               118,147
<CGS>                                           18,554
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  106,068
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,580
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 10,499
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,979
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,520
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,520
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .65
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .65
        
<FN>
<F1> The allowance for doubtful accounts is netted against total accounts 
     receivable in the Accounts Receivable balance.
<F2> Rental merchandise has been classified as inventory for purposes of this 
     schedule. Rental merchandise has been shown net of 53,343 accumulated 
     depreciation.
<F3> The financial statements are presented with an unclassified balance sheet.
<F4> PP&E has been shown net of accumulated depreciation.