<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                              99
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    9,901
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0<F1>
<INVENTORY>                                    141,920<F2>
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F3>
<PP&E>                                          31,670
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0<F4>
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 187,223
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F3>
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,766
<OTHER-SE>                                      89,194
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   187,223
<SALES>                                         44,942
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               203,527
<CGS>                                           33,247
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  181,762
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,401
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 19,364
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,504
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             11,860
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    11,860
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .59
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .59
<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 59,335 accumulated
depreciation.
<F3>The financial statements are presented with an unclassified balance sheet.
<F4>PP&E has been shown net of accumulated depreciation.
</FN>