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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We have issued our report dated February 11, 2002, accompanying the consolidated
financial statements and included in the Annual Report of Rent-A-Center, Inc.
and Subsidiaries on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. We hereby
consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration
Statement of Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries on post effective Amendment
No. 1 to Form S-8 (333-62582).



/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Dallas, Texas
December 31, 2002


