<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                              84
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   10,491
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0<F1>
<INVENTORY>                                    149,984<F2>
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F3>
<PP&E>                                          33,267
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0<F4>
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 198,103
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F3>
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,766
<OTHER-SE>                                      96,569
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   198,103
<SALES>                                         61,527
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               274,245
<CGS>                                           46,168
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  245,617
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,449
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 25,179
<INCOME-TAX>                                     9,786
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             15,393
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    15,393
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .77
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .77
<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 60,532 accumulated
depreciation.
<F3>The financial statements are presented with an unclassified balance sheet.
<F4>PP&E has been shown net of accumulated depreciation.
</FN>