<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                              97
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    7,310
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0<F1>
<INVENTORY>                                    127,641<F2>
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F3>
<PP&E>                                          24,812
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0<F4>
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 162,755
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F3>
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         5,999
<OTHER-SE>                                      87,140
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   162,755
<SALES>                                         14,507
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                64,693
<CGS>                                           10,523
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   57,902
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 717
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,791
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,632
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,159
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     4,159
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .42
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .42
<FN> 
<F1> The allowance of doubtful accounts is netted against total accounts 
     receivable in the Accounts Receivable balance.
<F2> Rental merchandise has been classified as inventory for purpose of this
     schedule. Rental merchandise has been shown net of 55,099 accumulated
     depreciation.
<F3> The financial statements are presented with an unclassified balance sheet.
<F4> PP&E has been shown net of accumulated depreciation.
</FN>