 Renters Choice went public on the NASDAQ stock exchange in 1995 under the symbol “RCII.” In August 1998, Renters Choice acquired Thorn Americas, Inc., which operated 1,474 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia under the name “Rent-A-Center.” On 31 December 1998, Renters Choice changed its name to Rent-A-Center, Inc. and began operating all of its stores under the “Rent-A-Center” brand name.In February 2003, Rent-A-Center acquired 295 stores from Rent-Way, Inc.In March 2004, Rent-A-Center commenced operating in Canada with the acquisition of five stores located in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.