W. S. Badcock, one of the largest furniture retailers in the United States with 320 locations in the Southeast, will begin opening rent to own stores in early 2005.

The new division is in the planning stages. Dan Companion, a 20 year veteran of the rental purchase industry and contributing editor to RTO Online, has been tapped as Director of Operations of the new group. Companion recently sold his Vermont stores to SEI Aarons.

Dan Companion discusses product selection with Botanica By labs representative at the recent APRO tradeshow in Tampa

WS Badcock Factoids
W.S. Badcock Corporation was founded in 1904, is headquartered in Mulberry, Florida and employs more than 1,200 corporate employees. The company has more than 320 stores in seven states. Approximately 240 of those stores are dealer owned and operated. Because the Corporation consigns all of its merchandise to the dealers and does not require a franchise fee, Badcock’s model offers the benefits of business ownership but has less risk and allows for a quicker start-up than the traditional franchise system.

In 1998, the company hired current president Don Marks. This was the first time the company hired someone outside of the Badcock family for this position.

In 2000, Badcock developed a new store concept called Badcock &more that includes a product line of more than 3,000 items; a brighter, more spacious store display; and a new logo.

While the philosophy "Badcock will treat you right" stays the same, the new concept was introduced to better serve Badcock's existing customers and to appeal to a broader, younger customer base. Of the stores that have converted, all have seen at least a 20 to 70 percent sales increase. The corporate goal is for 80 percent of Badcock’s stores to be converted to the new format by 2007.

In 2003, the company developed a new dealer contract to uphold new operating standards and enhance the long-term growth opportunities for Badcock &more dealers. Today, they continue their expansion with plans to target new dealers throughout the Southeast, including Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, which to date are untapped markets.

W.S. Badcock Corporation is headquartered in Mulberry, Florida, where the company was established in 1904. Badcock includes more than 320 retail locations throughout the Southeast. Approximately 240 of those stores are dealer owned and operated. For inquiries, please go to www.badcock.com.

Key Dates in Badcock’s History

1904—Henry S. Badcock establishes the first Badcock Home Furniture store, located in Mulberry, Florida.

1920—Henry’s 22-year-old son, Wogan Stanhope Badcock, Sr., buys the Mulberry store for $9,000.

1930—Wogan Badcock expands sales by consigning merchandise to area collectors who begin selling from trucks along their routes. Soon some collectors acquire buildings to display their merchandise. This is the start of Badcock’s unique system of dealer owned and operated stores that continues to flourish today.

1940-1960—Badcock expands to 46 stores, and Wogan Badcock, Jr. joins his father in the business.

1963—Wogan Badcock, Jr. is named president.

1967—Badcock opens first store outside of Florida, in Valdosta, Georgia.

1972—The company opens its second distribution center in Live Oak, Florida (the first was in Mulberry.

1984—Badcock’s third distribution center opens in Thomson, Georgia, and Badcock grows to 200 stores throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina.

1985—Wogan Badcock, Jr.’s sons, Wogan, III, Henry and Ben, are appointed vice presidents.

1990—Badcock opens a fourth distribution center in Cullman, Alabama, which leads to more stores in Mississippi and Tennessee.

1992—Wogan Badcock, Jr. turns the company over to his three sons.

1996—Wogan Badcock, Jr. passes away.

1998—Badcock hires Don Marks, who is the first president from outside the Badcock family.

2000—Badcock develops Badcock &more store concept that includes a product line of more than 4,000 items; a brighter, more spacious store display; and a new logo.

2002—Badcock develops new ten-year dealer contract to uphold new operating standards and enhance the long-term growth opportunities.

2003—Badcock targets Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia for Southeast expansion.

2003—Badcock embarks on a multi-phase, long-term technology modernization program.

2003—Badcock dealers gain eligibility for Small Business Administration (SBA) financing and are officially listed on the SBA's National Franchise Registry, which will allow dealers to easily apply for SBA financing.

2004—Badcock celebrates 100-year anniversary.