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                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1


               Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants


We have issued our report dated February 9, 2000, accompanying the consolidated
financial statements of Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 which is
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the
incorporation by reference of said report in this Registration Statement of
Rent-A-Center, Inc.


Grant Thornton LLP

Dallas, Texas
July 6, 2000



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