Major U.s. Franchise Eyes Rupert For Expansion

When Aaron's Sales and Lease, the 58th largest franchise chain in the world according to Entrepreneur Magazine, decided to undertake an aggressive expansion across Canada, it targeted Prince Rupert as one of the communities that it wanted to open up shop in as soon as possible.

"There are several reasons that we chose Prince Rupert, but the main three are that we see it as a growing market because of the new port development, because of the demographics and because of the population," said Doug Warren, Aaron's Director of Canadian Franchising.

"In terms of the demographics, there are a lot of blue collar workers in Prince Rupert�It's also a bit of an isolated market in that the nearest large centre is Prince George and we have always done well in those kinds of markets." With over 1,550 stores across North America, Aaron's specializes in lease and lease-to-own on furniture, appliances and electronics, and Warren notes that 95 per cent of the company's revenue comes from the lease-to-own program.

"We look like a retail outlet and we deliver and set-up what is leased, but if people can't make the lease payment or finish a month-to-month lease then we pick up the item and re-lease it," he explained.

"We don't do credit checks, we do other checks. It is a very different model than most and not one that is being done in Prince Rupert." Noting that the hope is to have a fairly large space in town, Warren has had talks with potential franchisees in town, although nothing has been signed and he welcomes anyone interested to contact him at 905-767-3978.

"As soon as we have a franchisee it is a go. We're in discussion, but nothing has been signed. If we get a franchisee, we could be open as early as this fall."

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