The good news is that renting is a smart way to get the things you need no matter how the economy is doing. In fact, according to Trendhunter.tv, Rental Culture is #17 in the Top 20 Consumer Trends for 2010.

Renting has really taken off in the recession, but it is far from a new concept. Just look at ColorTyme – we’ve been in business for 30 years! While back then you might have rented a color TV set, today you can rent virtually anything: fine art, clothing, purses, jewelry, homes, and even cars. For name-brand appliances, furniture, electronics and other home furnishings, ColorTyme is the place to be! The rent-to-own option we offer gives you the affordability and flexibility to own the things you need without a credit check.

Let’s take a look at some other consumer trends from this year that made the list:

Listed as #18 is a trend known as “Peacocking”. Basically, consumers are accessorizing with bright clothing and cosmetics to create a vibrant look. This brings attention to their wardrobe without having to pay big bucks for a designer label.

“Prodependancy” comes in at #15. Couples today are more likely to move in together than in past generations because of the credit crunch. In addition, there’s been an increase in products like matching tattoos, co-ed fashion and shared home furnishings.

“Nostalgia Marketing” is #12 on the list. The poor economy has consumers looking to escape financial hardships and seek refuge in the fantasies of their childhood giving vintage toys and clothing a big comeback.

#6 on the list is “Greenpliances”. This refers to appliances that help protect the environment including smaller laundry machines and soap-less dishwashers.

“DIY Décor” is listed as #2. Do It Yourself projects like building furniture from scrap material or creating a work of art from garage items is affordable and more socially acceptable than ever.
And, the #1 consumer trend this year is “Next Besting”. This means that people have become more functional in their purchases and attribute success to practical spending rather than having lavish items. Instead of purchasing top-of-the-line merchandise and pricey brands, people are trying new products in the pursuit of the “next best” alternative.

To see the complete list of trends, go to http://www.trendhunter.com/tv/trends-in-2010-forecast.

1. Choose Furniture Carefully
In a smaller room, you don’t want to crowd the place with a lot of furniture. Consider using furniture that can do double duty. For example, you can use a small chest that also acts as a coffee table, or visit your hometown ColorTyme to find a sofa-bed for the room. Also, use pieces that are proportionate and don’t overpower the room. A love seat might work better than a full-size sofa, and you might also keep a couple of small wood chairs or barstools along the wall for when additional seating is needed. Extendable dining tables, folding tables and chairs are also great for clearing up some space when those pieces aren’t needed.

2. Lighting is Everything
Lighting can really open up a tight space. ColorTyme offers floor lamps that are space efficient and provide adequate light for a small room. An arc lamp with multiple arms is a good choice because it provides even more light than a single-bulb lamp, and the arms can be directed to areas of the room to make a “spotlight” effect. Wall sconces also are effective light sources and take up little to no space.

3. Think About Color
For the illusion of a larger room, use colors that are light rather than bright or dark (pastels, neutrals and white are all great color possibilities). Consider picking some furniture items for the room that are the same colors as the walls. This way, a bigger piece (like a large chest or armoire) will blend into the room and make it look wider.

4. Certain Accessories are Must-Haves
Whether it’s a dining, coffee or end table, a table made out of glass will keep the appearance of open space. Call your local ColorTyme store to see what glass tables are available to rent. You can also increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding mirrors. Mirrors will reflect light and color, opening up look of the room. Try mirror tiles or place a full length mirror on a wall and your room will appear be double its size!

5. Keep it Clean
It’s no surprise that clutter makes a room seem even smaller, so keep the space tidy and organized. It’s better to take something into the room when you need it and clear it out when it’s not in use than to stash it there permanently.

Whatever you need to update widen the feel of a small room in your home, ColorTyme gives you an affordable rent-to-own option. Remember, deliver and installation is included at no extra charge!

According to ElectronicHouse.com, Panasonic will release more than 20 models, including four 3D-capable TVs that range from 50-65 inches. The 3D sets will include one pair of 3D glasses. Samsung also still makes plasma TVs, although they offer LCD TVs as well. Needless to say, there’s still a market for plasma TVs so they aren’t going anywhere! Many people prefer the colors and dark-scene detail of plasma TVs compared to the relatively washed-out look of LCD. Also, plasma technology has a better picture quality in normal to low room lighting conditions and are best during nighttime viewing. On LCD TVs, LED backlights do generate accurate colors and black levels, but high-end plasma still rules when it comes to picture quality, viewing angle and motion response.

Your hometown ColorTyme rent-to-own franchise carries various brands of plasma TVs at low prices. Or, if LCD is your preference, ask a member of the ColorTyme staff to show you what they have in stock. With the affordability and bright future of plasma and the cutting-edge technology of LCD, you can’t go wrong with either choice!

What is a Blu-ray player?
A Blu-ray player is a high-definition machine that is required to play Blu-ray discs. These special discs look like regular DVD discs, but are designed to store about six times more data than a DVD can. It’s called “Blu-ray” because the disc uses Blue Laser technology to hold film content at HDTV resolution.
Keep in mind that if you want to watch a Blu-ray movie, then you need a Blu-ray player because Blu-ray discs will not work in a regular DVD player. However, Blu-ray players will play any regular DVD as well, so there’s no need for two machines. There are many well-known brands that make Blu-ray players such as Apple, Hitachi, LG, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp and Sony.

What’s so special about Blu-ray?
Just as movies and TV shows on DVD look a lot better when compared to VHS, Blu-ray video takes a step above DVD quality. That’s because Blu-ray is high-definition quality – a full 1080p – where DVD images max out at 480p. When you pair a Blu-ray player with a 1080p display, you can enjoy the most detailed picture possible. Don’t worry though – you’ll still get an impressive HD picture if you have a 720p or 1080i TV set. Stop by your HomeTown ColorTyme store and experience the amazing difference between DVD and Blu-ray movies for yourself!

What are some features of a Blu-ray player?
With high-definition video quality, Blu-ray players use high-definition audio to with it from Dolby and DTS. Each company has developed premium sound formats to support Blu-ray discs using advanced forms of audio compression. Look for next-generation surround sound like Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.
Several models have either built-in Wi-Fi or the ability to accept an optional wireless USB, which is convenient especially if you don’t have an Ethernet jack near your Blu-ray player. This means you can get to the Internet from your player to access an infinite amount of content including streaming movies.
Some models, like the upcoming BD590 from LG, even have a built-in hard drive that acts as storage space where you can hold music, photos and videos up to 250 GB!
Also, several major brands including Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba, have announced their first 3D Blu-ray players. Arriving later this year, these players will be able to play 3D Blu-ray discs.

Why is now a good time to get a Blu-ray player?
Blu-ray player prices have been getting more affordable – even for fully featured top-rated players from major brands. In addition, a retail report published by Blu-ray.com shows that the price gap between Blu-ray discs and DVDs has been getting smaller. For example, online retailer Amazon is now offering a great deal of Blu-ray titles for between $10 and $20, only a few dollars apart from DVD prices.
Choosing rent-to-own is an affordable way to enjoy Blu-ray. In addition to computers, appliances and furniture, your Hometown ColorTyme has popular brand-name Blu-ray players loaded with features. Let your local store know which one you’ve been eying and we’d be happy to deliver and install it into your home entertainment system at no extra charge when you open an account with ColorTyme!

PLANO, Texas – March 5, 2010 – Thirty ColorTyme customers recently cashed in as names were drawn for the $30K Giveaway, and countless others won in-store prizes.
Held in celebration of the company’s 30th birthday, ColorTyme’s $30K Giveaway gave customers a chance to win $1,000 along with instant prizes in local stores. Rent-to-own customers registered for the grand-prize drawings Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 at their hometown ColorTyme store.
Out of 30 winners from 14 states across the U.S., four of them registered in Texas stores owned by TLH Enterprises. Vice President of South Texas Region for TLH Enterprises, Donald Salais, was very happy to see long-time customers win in Beeville, Corpus Christi, Rosenberg and Cuero.
“Many of our customers didn’t think they had a chance at winning, so it was refreshing to see the smiles on their faces when they did,” said Salais. “I think the Giveaway really encouraged our customers and showed how much we value their business.”

As part of the Giveaway event, ColorTyme also provided customers with a winning serial number that matched various prizes. Many customers automatically received big savings off a new rental or walked away with one of the store’s newest appliances, furniture, computers or electronics such as a name-brand TV.

“Our $30K Giveaway was a way for us to give back to our customers and thank them for all of their support over the years,” said ColorTyme Director of Marketing, Amy Woods. “Our customers are like family, so it was important that everyone who visited ColorTyme during the promotion came out a winner.”

Winners
Dorothy McKown – Opp, AL
Teri Pike – Woodland, AL
Lidia Abaloyan – San Diego, CA
Neille Logan-Underwood – San Diego, CA
Judith Ann Archer – Temecula, CA
Frank Welcome – Panama City, FL
Robert Higginbotham – Middleburg, FL
Christopher Cooper – Jacksonville, FL
Sacoya Proctor – Hephzibah, GA
Micky Jimison – Fairfield, ID
Danny Shannon – Hutchinson, KS
Carlos Heredia Liudres – Garden City, KS
Lee Jones – Oxford, KS
James Kelley – Lexington, KY
Lee Lyons – Raceland, LA
Susie Moore – Baltimore, MD
Denise Fletcher – Landover Hills, MD
David Rogers – Waterville, ME
Shaun Bennett – South Paris, ME
Sheila Hobbs – La Grange, NC
Beatrice Bennett – Roanoke Rapids, NC
Paula Ramos – Beeville, TX
Abram Mendoza – Corpus Christi, TX
Jackie Hahn – Cuero, TX
Bobby King Jr. – Richmond, TX
Katrina Trimiew – Richmond, VA
Carlton Davis – Norfolk, VA
Nikkia Clayton – Fredericksburg, VA
James Howard – Richmond, VA
Dennis Francis – Aberdeen, WA

However, Curtis Mathes wasn’t looking to compromise the quality of his product to meet ideal selling prices. When Curtis Mathes began manufacturing televisions he had one major goal in mind; to have the most well-built, reliable and expensive television on the market. He did. And, they were. The televisions were so well built that each set had a four year warranty, which was unheard of at the time – and today for that matter. But, if consumers wanted the best they were going to have to pay for it.

So, by the end of the 1970s Curtis Mathes had perhaps the finest color television set in the world, but because of its price tag most Americans couldn’t afford to purchase it. That’s when Willie Talley stepped in and partnered with Curtis Mathes. Willie had an ingenious concept, “ColorTyme.” Willie believed at the time that it was “tyme” for all households to have “color” television…hence ColorTyme. While he didn’t expect the name to become so quickly dated, it has stuck over the years.

Willie’s idea materialized in Athens, Texas in 1979, where the first ColorTyme rent-to-own store opened. With the store’s opening came the opportunity for every average American family to purchase the finest color television available. Curtis Mathes didn’t have to sacrifice quality, and any American household could now afford to move from the era of black and white into the time of color.

Today, ColorTyme is the nation’s oldest franchisor of independently owned and operated rent-to-own stores and offers not just TVs and electronics, but also appliances, computers and furniture. Thanks to the most expensive television set in America.

Wireless Keyboards – In 2010 and beyond, we will continue to see more wireless applications. For instance, televisions around the house have been transformed into computer modems, allowing people to surf the Internet from their living room sofa or master bedroom. As televisions become Web capable, wireless keyboards will find their place alongside the TV remote.

LED Televisions – Plasma and LCD television have a new standard to compete with. LED technology is going to make a bigger splash in 2010 as the new viewing technology brings higher caliber picture and less energy consumption than its plasma and LCD predecessors. The new LED televisions will also be thinner and lighter than their more bulky competitors, and the quality is outstanding.

3D Home Theater – Movie enthusiast will no longer have to visit their local IMAX to seem amazing films in 3D. Headed by electronic juggernauts, Sony, Samsung, and Mitsubishi, the 3D experience is now a reality and will be seen more and more in our personal home theaters.

Blue-ray – From VHS to DVD, 2010 is finally Blue-ray’s year to reign supreme. True 1080p picture and Dolby Digital high-definition sound make Blue-ray the optimal choice for today’s home theater systems. The reduced cost of PlayStation 3s, Blue-ray disc players, and the Blue-ray disc themselves will likely finally position this techno-trend as a mainstay.

Colorful Kitchen Appliances – The home kitchen is about to be one of the more colorful rooms in the house. Appliance makers across the board are offering more alternative appliance color selections than ever before. Black, white, stainless, and red are no longer the exclusive colors of home appliances. Even washers and dryers are coming out in colors that are awash with the new home color schemes.

French Door Refrigerators – Side-by-side refrigerators were once the craze, but the thoughtful design of French door refrigerators have caused new kitchen appliance buyers to rethink their style of choice. The French door design is unique and functional, allowing for less kitchen floor space than side-by-side models without losing valuable storage space – meaning these refrigerators are a perfect fit for any kitchen.

Front Loading Washers and Dryers – 2010 isn’t the fist year we’ve seen front loading washers, but the reduction in price – and clear energy efficiency superiority – for models in this design are going to be hard to pass up for those seeking a new washer and dryer. Also, a wider variety of appliance colors will be attractive to those who like to color coordinate.

Counter Height Dining Tables – Family dinning isn’t what it used to be, and counter height dining tables address the need for a more casual family dining experience. This new dining trend is reflective of the family on the go.

Motion Furniture – The concept of sofa and recliner has rightly merged, and this new generation of furniture adapts to those who like the best of both worlds. Whether lying on the couch watching a movie, or reclining watching a ballgame, motion furniture has your comfort position.

Energy Efficient Appliances and Electronics – Energy efficiency isn’t for just your automobile. Now there are a range of electronics and appliances that will meet your cost-saving, eco-friendly needs. From high-definition televisions to dishwashers, energy efficient appliances and electronics are here to stay.

If you’re looking to bring your home up to date in 2010, feel free to stop by your Hometown ColorTyme, and experience the benefits of rent-to-own furniture, rent-to-own appliances, and rent-to-own electronics. Maybe wow your friends and neighbors with your new ultra-thin LED TV, or replace that old couch with something that fits your family’s individual comfort needs.

Top Five Valentine’s Gifts for Men

Okay ladies; let’s first get into the male psyche. What do males love? They love electronics, gadgets and games, big screen TVs, their automobiles and comfort. Easy!
1. An LED flat screen TV tops the ColorTyme list. Why? It is only the latest and greatest technology in flat screen TVs. Your beau will be blown away by the picture quality of an LED screen, and it is the thinnest screen yet.
2. If you already have the nice flat screen TV, comfort is the next priority. Motion furniture is hot right now so a really nice comfy recliner is just the ticket for the man in your life. Or, if you want to be a bit more romantic, go with the recliner sofa.
3. A state-of-the-art DVD Home Theater System is an excellent gift for the man who would appreciate relaxing in the comfort of his own home with the superior sights and surround-sound provided by Dolby technology. There will be no mistaking his happiness with this gift as you will hear his and his friends’ shouts of victory during every game day.
4. If your guy really loves his automobile, you can light up his eyes and make his mouth drop open on Valentine’s Day with custom wheels from RimTyme. Ladies, you know how we love jewelry? Well, this is the bling that males go for. RimTyme has custom wheels for his automobile that will make it shine above all others in its class.
5. Last but not least, if your guy has been looking to upgrade his video game equipment, ColorTyme is the place to do that. Video games are a great way to relax at home and blow off some steam. Many men find the games a good way to get their minds off work and relax into some quality time at home in the evenings.

Top Five Valentine’s Gifts for Women

This year if you really want to wow the lady in your life, don’t go with the traditional flowers, chocolates or jewelry. Let her know that building a home and a life with her is your priority. Women love a beautiful home and joining her in that quest is a great way to show your love. Thus, here are ColorTymes top five Valentine’s gifts for women this year.

1. The trend in dining today is casual and everyone likes to congregate around a kitchen counter or bar. Furniture manufacturers noticed this and have started a raging trend that works beautifully for today’s lifestyle – the counter-height dining table and chairs. It’s hip and gorgeous and a great way to say happy Valentine’s Day this year.
2. If you and your girl are in desperate need of a new washer and dryer. You’ve been schlepping back and forth to the Laundromat or your old units are about to bite the dust. This is a great time to go for it, as the manufacturers now offer a range of bold colors to choose from. And, you can rent-to-own these items for as little as $20 a week! What would say ‘I love you’ more than a brand new red washer and dryer with a big white bow this Valentine’s Day.
3. Just as motion furniture made our top five list for men, it also joins our top five for women. There is always a piece of furniture that is old and tired in a female’s eyes — one she would really love to see go out the back door. Find out which one it is and surprise her with a trip to ColorTyme to pick out its replacement. The new trend is recliners that swivel, adjust, recline — and sofas have joined into the trend as well. It’s a great gift for cozy time together and the styles and colors range to fit every woman’s taste.
4. Everyone loves laptops; no one likes to be tied to a desk – even when they are surfing for fun. ColorTyme has laptops to fit every need and budget. Some even come with Web cams! Her eyes will pop when she unwraps a beautiful high tech laptop!
5. Our last choice is not for everyone, but is fabulous for women who love to cook. An updated cook-top can inspire a gourmet cook. ColorTyme even delivers and installs for free, so you can time this for maximum surprise and wow factor. Don’t forget a big bow on top!

“The Waterbury YSS called me, asked me to host the event and they brought the food to hand out,” said ColorTyme rent to own Franchise Owner, Steve Dwyer. “Yesterday, families from around Waterbury came to our store and we provided them with a full meal that they later took home to prepare.”

The Youth Service System is supported by grants from city, state and federal agencies. This includes support from foundations, such as the United Way, and the generosity of corporate and individual donors. The non-profit agency serves 4,000 clients annually through a broad spectrum of programs that address issues impacting today’s youth and their families.

“This was an opportunity to help people here in the community. It also gives us the opportunity to help the YSS – an organization I believe in and support,” explained Dwyer. “This was a very heartwarming experience and my team and I really enjoyed all the visiting families that stopped by the store.”

Meals were also distributed at the YSS headquarters at 95 North Main in Waterbury. Combined with ColorTyme’s efforts, more than 70 families were provided meals for Thanksgiving.

“We formed a relationship with Steve and ColorTyme a few months ago,” said Kelly Cronin, executive director for the Waterbury YSS. “He’s been very good to us by giving the YSS furniture for our safe homes and the agency itself. We always give turkeys away for Thanksgiving and we thought it would work to have Steve give out turkeys at his store. Initially, Steve helped us store the frozen turkeys, which we really appreciate. This was a very successful day for everybody involved.”

If the cash outlay or credit involved in purchasing a washer and dryer for your home has been holding you back (or holding you hostage at the Laundromat), then it is time to look at an option other than outright purchase. Rent-to-own washers and dryers make sense on many levels, both mathematically and from a lifestyle prospective.

First, let’s look at the cold hard math. If you rent-to-own a washer and dryer from ColorTyme, on average, it will run you $18.99 per week. Delivery and set up is always included in the cost. Next, there are the energy and water costs. The chart below comes from Michael Bluejay, Mr. Electricity’s Web site. According to his site, most of the energy cost in doing a load of laundry is in the heating of the water. So, as a helpful side note, if use cold for colors and warm wash with a cold rinse for your whites, you can save a ton of money (and your clothes will be just as clean).

Total cost per load (electricity + water + water heating)
Wash / Rinse setting Electric water heater Gas water heater
Hot / Warm 69¢ 52¢
Hot / Cold 50¢ 39¢
Warm / Warm 50¢ 39¢
Warm / Cold 32¢ 27¢
Cold / Cold 14¢ 14¢

If you use warm water with a cold rinse for half your loads and cold water for the other half, your average cost per load will be 23 cents. But, wait, you still need to dry the clothes. The average cost per load in an electric dryer is 30 to 45 cents per load. However, a gas clothes dryer is much less costly, averaging 10 to 16 cents per load. Let’s assume you like the math, have read this article, and will rent-to-own the gas dryer, with an average cost of $.13 per load. This brings your average water and energy cost per load to 36 cents per load.

There are varying sizes of washers and dryers at a Laundromat. However, the regular size Laundromat washer costs about $2 per load and the average dryer 75 cents per load. With the hard costs established, you can now do the math. For a family of four, averaging two loads per day, a Laundromat will cost $165 per month (60 loads per month at $2.75 per load). With a ColorTyme rent-to-own washer and dryer conveniently located in your home, the monthly cost for the machines, $87.99 ($18.99 plus $1.33 tax x 4.33 weeks per month), plus the energy and water costs, $21.60 (60 loads times 36 cents per load), would only come to about $110 per month.

We probably don’t need to go into the upgrade in lifestyle issues when comparing doing laundry in the comfort and safety of your own home versus schlepping heavy bags of laundry to and from a public Laundromat. Anyone who has done laundry in a Laundromat knows that many Laundromats are unclean and can be unsafe, not to mention boring. However, in addition to the hassle of lugging laundry back and forth, there are a few more items to consider that add to the costs and make Laundromats an even heavier load. Travel costs (gasoline or metro to and from), your time, and heaven forbid if you turn your head for minute — the cost of stolen clothes — can add up big time.

Now you have all the smart reasons to upgrade your life in 2010 from the Laundromat to spending time with your family, reading a good book on the couch or any number of wonderful tasks while you do laundry at home sweet home.