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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated March 19, 1998 included in this Amendment No. 3 to Form S-4 Registration
Statement of Rent-A-Center, Inc., ColorTyme, Inc. and Advantage Companies, Inc.
and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement No.
333-65787.
    
 
                                                ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
   
January 19, 1999