Aaron's Opens Milestone 2,000th Store in the Bronx

ATLANTA, Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, is officially opening its milestone 2,000th store today in Bronx, New York. The opening signifies a period of aggressive growth which the Company expects will continue in markets across the country, including further expansion in New York City. "Aaron's has experienced tremendous growth over the past three years including the addition of 345 stores, 2,200 jobs and record quarterly results," said Ronald W. Allen, CEO and President of Aaron's. "We are pleased to extend this success into the Bronx, where we're excited to become an integral part of the community.  Over the next few years, it's our plan to foster economic development in the New York market with more store openings, bringing new job and partnership opportunities to the area.  We're proud to become a new member of the Bronx community and are confident our presence here will have a permanent and positive impact through services offered, partnerships developed and charitable outreach." In addition to recognizing Aaron's business success, the grand opening event will pay tribute to the Bronx community's affinity for the sport of baseball. Legendary baseball manager and Major League Baseball's Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations Joe Torre will make an appearance at the 2,000th store grand opening celebration on Friday, Sept. 28th. He will also unveil a one-of-a-kind Babe Ruth portrait that Aaron's will donate to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Aaron's commissioned the painting by internationally acclaimed portrait artist Rossin, recognized for his lifelike pieces of world leaders including U.S. Presidents, Britain's royal family and celebrities. A replica of the painting will continue to hang in the Bronx Aaron's store. Aaron's plans to further support the community with donations to two important organizations in the area.  Merchandise valued at $7,000 including furniture, electronics and appliances will be donated to the Joe Torre Safe At Home® Foun­da­tion, which educates to end the cycle of domestic violence and save lives. Aaron's will also present a plaque to Eva Muriel, director of Parkside Community Center, which offers after-school programs to more than 100 Bronx children and teens from inner and outer communities. The presentation will acknowledge Aaron's pledge to renovate and restore the center over the next 12 months to include new appliances and electronics for the entire facility, furniture, carpeting, paint and landscaping. Aaron's serves more than 1.6 million customers throughout the U.S. and Canada by providing low monthly payments on a lease-to-own option and no credit checks on everyday brand name necessities such as refrigerators, computers, beds and televisions. Fifty-seven years ago, Atlanta entrepreneur Charlie Loudermilk and a partner founded Aaron Rents after borrowing $500 to purchase folding chairs and renting them for 10 cents a day to auction houses. The Company became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange in 1982 and was renamed Aaron's, Inc. in 2009. Aaron's now has 2,000 Company-operated and franchised stores across the U.S. and Canada.