<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                              98
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,488
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0<F1>
<INVENTORY>                                    154,538<F2>
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F3>
<PP&E>                                          31,076<F4>
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0<F4>
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 201,354
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F3>
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,766
<OTHER-SE>                                     101,379
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   201,354
<SALES>                                         53,796
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               230,183
<CGS>                                           40,922
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  163,962
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,728
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 22,571
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,821
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             13,750
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    13,750
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .70
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .70
<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 purposes of this 
schedule. Rental merchandise has been shown net of 67,577 accumulated 
depreciation.
<F3>The financial statements are presented with an unclassified balance sheet.
<F4>PP&E has been shown net of accumulated depreciation.
</FN>