As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 22, 2003


                                                      Registration No. 333-77985
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   ----------


                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


                               RENT-A-CENTER, INC.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

           DELAWARE                                              45-0491516
(State or Other Jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)                               Identification No.)

                       5700 TENNYSON PARKWAY, THIRD FLOOR
                               PLANO, TEXAS 75024
                                 (972) 801-1100
   (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                    Registrant's principal executive offices)

                                 ROBERT D. DAVIS
                       5700 TENNYSON PARKWAY, THIRD FLOOR
                               DALLAS, TEXAS 75024
                                 (972) 801-1100
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                              of agent for service)

                                   COPIES TO:
                             THOMAS W. HUGHES, ESQ.
                         WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK P.C.
                             5400 RENAISSANCE TOWER
                                 1201 ELM STREET
                               DALLAS, TEXAS 75270
                                 (214) 745-5400


         Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From
time to time after the effective date of this registration statement, as
determined by market conditions.



         If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]


         If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with
dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]

         If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]


         If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. [ ]


         If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, check the following box. [ ]


         THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE
OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.


================================================================================




                                EXPLANATORY NOTE


                   POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FORM S-3





         This Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form
S-3 is being filed pursuant to Rule 414 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"SECURITIES ACT"), to reflect our new holding company organizational structure,
effected in accordance with Section 251(g) of the Delaware General Corporation
Law (the "DGCL"). The holding company organizational structure was effected
pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "PLAN OF MERGER") among
Rent-A-Center East, Inc. (formerly, Rent-A-Center, Inc.), a Delaware corporation
(the "PREDECESSOR"), Rent-A-Center, Inc. (formerly, Rent-A-Center Holdings,
Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the "REGISTRANT"), and RAC Merger Sub, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant ("MERGER
SUB"). The Plan of Merger provided for the merger of Merger Sub with and into
the Predecessor, with the Predecessor continuing as the surviving corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant (the "MERGER"). Prior to the
Merger, the Registrant was a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Predecessor,
organized for the purpose of implementing the holding company organizational
structure. In connection with the Merger, the Predecessor's name was changed to
"Rent-A-Center East, Inc." and the Registrant's name was changed to
"Rent-A-Center, Inc."


         By operation of the Merger, all of the Predecessor's common stock, par
value $0.01 per share (the "PREDECESSOR COMMON STOCK"), issued and outstanding
or held in treasury, was converted, on a share for share basis, into common
stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Registrant (the "REGISTRANT COMMON
STOCK") and each outstanding option to purchase shares of the Predecessor Common
Stock automatically converted into an option to purchase, upon the same terms
and conditions, an identical number of shares of the Registrant Common Stock.


         In accordance with Rule 414, the Registrant, as the successor issuer to
the Predecessor, hereby expressly adopts this Registration Statement No.
333-77985 as its own for all purposes of the Securities Act and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.


         The applicable registration fees were paid at the time of the original
filing of this registration statement.






       THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES PART OF A PROSPECTUS COVERING SECURITIES
           THAT HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933




                               RENT-A-CENTER, INC.




                          17,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK



                                   ----------



         o        This prospectus relates to shares that may be issued by us
                  from time to time to holders of options to buy our common
                  stock.



         o        We will only receive the exercise price with respect to the
                  exercise of the options by the optionholders.



         o        Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market under
                  the symbol "RCII."



  INVESTING IN OUR COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON
                                     PAGE 2.



         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.



         Our principal executive offices are located at 5700 Tennyson Parkway,
Third Floor, Plano, Texas 75024, telephone (972) 801-1100.



         NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, YOU MUST NOT RELY UPON SUCH INFORMATION AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY US. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE
SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE
MADE UNDER THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN OUR AFFAIRS SINCE THE DATE OF THIS
PROSPECTUS OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME AFTER ITS DATE.






                THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 2003.





                                TABLE OF CONTENTS





                                                                                                             
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY................................................................................................1

RISK FACTORS......................................................................................................2

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.................................................................6

THE OFFERING......................................................................................................7

USE OF PROCEEDS...................................................................................................7

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION..............................................................................................7

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................8

LEGAL MATTERS....................................................................................................10

EXPERTS..........................................................................................................10

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION..............................................................................10

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE..................................................................11







                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY



         You should read this summary together with the more detailed
information regarding us and the common stock to which this prospectus relates
and our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, "we,"
"us" and "our" means Rent-A-Center, Inc. (formerly, Rent-A-Center Holdings,
Inc.) and our wholly-owned subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. "Rent-A-Center
East" means Rent-A-Center East, Inc. (formerly, Rent-A-Center, Inc.), our
predecessor.



                                  RENT-A-CENTER



         We are the largest rent-to-own operator in the United States with an
approximate 28% market share based on store count. At September 30, 2002, we
operated 2,362 company-owned stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Our
subsidiary, ColorTyme, is a national franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At
September 30, 2002, ColorTyme had 329 franchised stores in 41 states, 317 of
which operated under the ColorTyme name and 12 stores of which operated under
the Rent-A-Center name.



         Our stores offer high quality, durable products such as home
electronics, appliances, computers, and furniture and accessories under flexible
rental purchase agreements that typically allow the customer to obtain ownership
of the merchandise at the conclusion of an agreed upon rental period. These
rental purchase agreements are designed to appeal to a wide variety of customers
by allowing them to obtain merchandise that they might otherwise be unable to
obtain due to insufficient cash resources or a lack of access to credit. These
agreements also cater to customers who only have a temporary need, or who simply
desire to rent rather than purchase the merchandise. We offer well known brands
such as Philips, Sony, JVC, Toshiba and Mitsubishi home electronics, Whirlpool
appliances, Dell, Compaq and Hewlett Packard computers and Ashley, England and
Benchcraft furniture.



         We have demonstrated a strong track record of growth, expanding from
717 owned or franchised stores at December 31, 1996 to 2,691 at September 30,
2002, primarily through acquisitions. We have incurred significant amounts of
debt secured by substantially all of our assets and subordinated debt in
connection with our acquisition program. Immediately following the Thorn
Americas and Central Rents acquisitions in 1998, our outstanding debt was $895.9
million, while our preferred stock and stockholders' equity were $259.5 million
and $136.2 million, respectively. At September 30, 2002, our outstanding debt
was $533.3 million, while our preferred stock and stockholders' equity were
$2,000 and $809.4 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2002, we had cash
on hand of $110.3 million.



RECENT DEVELOPMENTS



         Rent-Way Acquisition. On December 18, 2002, we announced we entered
into a definitive agreement with Rent-Way, Inc., an operator of rent-to-own
stores, and certain of Rent-Way's operating subsidiaries pursuant to which we
will acquire substantially all of the assets of 295 rent-to-own stores from
Rent-Way and its subsidiaries for an aggregate purchase price of $101.5 million
in cash.



         Reorganization. Effective December 31, 2002, we adopted a new holding
company organizational structure in accordance with Section 251(g) of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL. The holding company organizational
structure was effected pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger among us,
Rent-A-Center East and RAC Merger Sub, Inc., a subsidiary wholly-owned by us.
The Agreement and Plan of Merger provided for the merger of RAC Merger Sub with
and into Rent-A-Center East, with Rent-A-Center East continuing as the surviving
corporation and becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary. Prior to the merger, we
were a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center East, organized for the
purpose of implementing the holding company organizational structure. In
connection with the merger, Rent-A-Center East's name was changed from
"Rent-A-Center, Inc." to "Rent-A-Center East, Inc." and our name was changed
from "Rent-A-Center Holdings, Inc." to "Rent-A-Center, Inc."



         By operation of the merger, all of Rent-A-Center East's common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding or held in treasury, was
converted, on a share for share basis, into our common stock, par value $0.01
per share, and each outstanding option to purchase shares of Rent-A-Center
East's common stock automatically converted into an option to purchase, upon the
same terms and conditions, an identical number of shares of our common stock. We
are deemed the "successor issuer" to Rent-A-Center East for purposes of
continuing offerings of securities pursuant to registration statements of
Rent-A-Center East under the Securities Act and for registration and reporting
purposes under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.




                                       1



                                  RISK FACTORS



         You should carefully consider the risks described below before making
an investment decision. We believe these are all the material risks currently
facing our business. Our business, financial condition or results of operations
could be materially adversely affected by these risks. The trading price of our
common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or
part of your investment. You should also refer to the other information included
or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including our financial
statements and related notes.



WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT OUR GROWTH STRATEGY, WHICH COULD
CAUSE OUR FUTURE EARNINGS TO GROW MORE SLOWLY OR EVEN DECREASE.



         As part of our growth strategy, we intend to increase our total number
of stores in both existing markets and new markets through a combination of new
store openings and store acquisitions. We increased our store base by 83 stores
in 2000, 123 stores in 2001, and 81 stores during the nine months ended
September 30, 2002. We currently intend to increase our store base by 5% to 10%
in 2003. Our growth strategy could place a significant demand on our management
and our financial and operational resources. This growth strategy is subject to
various risks, including uncertainties regarding our ability to open new stores
and our ability to acquire additional stores on favorable terms. We may not be
able to continue to identify profitable new store locations or underperforming
competitors as we currently anticipate. If we are unable to implement our growth
strategy, our earnings may grow more slowly or even decrease.



         Our continued growth also depends on our ability to increase sales in
our existing stores. Our same store sales increased by 12.6% and 8.0% for 2000
and 2001, respectively, and 6.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. As
a result of new store openings in existing markets and because mature stores
will represent an increasing proportion of our store base over time, our same
store sale increases in future periods may be lower than historical levels.



IF WE FAIL TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE OUR GROWTH AND INTEGRATE NEW STORES, OUR
FINANCIAL RESULTS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.



         The benefits we anticipate from our growth strategy may not be
realized. The addition of new stores, both through store openings and through
acquisitions, requires the integration of our management philosophies and
personnel, standardization of training programs, realization of operating
efficiencies and effective coordination of sales and marketing and financial
reporting efforts. In addition, acquisitions in general are subject to a number
of special risks, including adverse short-term effects on our reported operating
results, diversion of management's attention and unanticipated problems or legal
liabilities. Further, a newly opened store generally does not attain positive
cash flow during its first year of operations.



THERE ARE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS PENDING AGAINST US SEEKING MATERIAL DAMAGES. THE
COSTS WE INCUR IN DEFENDING OURSELVES OR ASSOCIATED WITH SETTLING ANY OF THESE
PROCEEDINGS, AS WELL AS A MATERIAL FINAL JUDGMENT OR DECREE AGAINST US, COULD
MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION BY REQUIRING THE PAYMENT OF
THE SETTLEMENT AMOUNT, A JUDGMENT OR THE POSTING OF A BOND.



         Some lawsuits against us involve claims that our rental agreements
constitute installment sales contracts, violate state usury laws or violate
other state laws enacted to protect consumers. We are also defending a class
action lawsuit alleging we violated the securities laws. Because of the
uncertainties associated with litigation, we cannot estimate for you our
ultimate liability for these matters, if any. The failure to pay any judgment
would be a default under our senior credit facilities and the indenture
governing Rent-A-Center East's outstanding subordinated notes.



OUR DEBT AGREEMENTS IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON US WHICH MAY LIMIT OR PROHIBIT US
FROM ENGAGING IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. IF A DEFAULT WERE TO OCCUR, OUR LENDERS
COULD ACCELERATE THE AMOUNTS OF DEBT OUTSTANDING, AND HOLDERS OF OUR SECURED
INDEBTEDNESS COULD FORCE US TO SELL OUR ASSETS TO SATISFY ALL OR A PART OF WHAT
IS OWED.



         Covenants under our senior credit facilities and the indenture
governing Rent-A-Center East's outstanding subordinated notes restrict our
ability to pay dividends, engage in various operational matters as well as
require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy specified
financial tests. Our ability to meet these financial ratios and tests may be
affected by events beyond our control. These restrictions could limit our
ability to obtain future financing, make needed capital expenditures or other
investments, repurchase our outstanding debt or equity, withstand a future
downturn in our business or in the economy, dispose of operations, engage in
mergers, acquire additional stores or otherwise conduct necessary corporate
activities. Various transactions that we may view as important opportunities,
such as specified




                                       2



acquisitions, are also subject to the consent of lenders under the senior credit
facilities, which may be withheld or granted subject to conditions specified at
the time that may affect the attractiveness or viability of the transaction.



         If a default were to occur, the lenders under our senior credit
facilities could accelerate the amounts outstanding under the credit facilities
and our other lenders could declare immediately due and payable all amounts
borrowed under other instruments that contain certain provisions for
cross-acceleration or cross-default. In addition, the lenders under these
agreements could terminate their commitments to lend to us. If the lenders under
these agreements accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have
sufficient liquid assets at that time to repay the amounts then outstanding
under our indebtedness or be able to find additional alternative financing. Even
if we could obtain additional alternative financing, the terms of the financing
may not be favorable or acceptable to us.



         The existing indebtedness under our senior credit facilities is secured
by substantially all of our assets. Should a default or acceleration of this
indebtedness occur, the holders of this indebtedness could sell the assets to
satisfy all or a part of what is owed. Our senior credit facilities also contain
provisions prohibiting the modification of Rent-A-Center East's outstanding
subordinated notes, as well as limiting the ability to refinance such notes.



A CHANGE OF CONTROL COULD ACCELERATE OUR OBLIGATION TO PAY OUR OUTSTANDING
INDEBTEDNESS, AND WE MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT LIQUID ASSETS TO REPAY THESE
AMOUNTS.



         Under our senior credit facilities, an event of default would result if
a third party became the beneficial owner of 33.33% or more of our voting stock
at a time when certain permitted investors owned less than the third party or
upon certain changes in the constitution of our board of directors. As of
September 30, 2002, we were required to pay under our senior credit facilities
$1.1 million in 2003, $13.6 million in 2004, $51.2 million in 2005 and $194.1
million thereafter. These payments reduce our operating cash flow. If the
lenders under our debt instruments accelerate these obligations, we may not have
sufficient liquid assets to repay amounts outstanding under these agreements.



         Under the indenture governing Rent-A-Center East's outstanding
subordinated notes, in the event that a change in control occurs, Rent-A-Center
East may be required to offer to purchase all of its outstanding subordinated
notes at 101% of their original aggregate principal amount, plus accrued
interest to the date of repurchase. A change in control also would result in an
event of default under our senior credit facilities, which could then be
accelerated by our lenders, and would require us to offer to redeem our Series A
preferred stock.



RENT-TO-OWN TRANSACTIONS ARE REGULATED BY LAW IN MOST STATES. ANY ADVERSE CHANGE
IN THESE LAWS OR THE PASSAGE OF ADVERSE NEW LAWS COULD EXPOSE US TO LITIGATION
OR REQUIRE US TO ALTER OUR BUSINESS PRACTICES.



         As is the case with most businesses, we are subject to various
governmental regulations, including specifically in our case regulations
regarding rent-to-own transactions. There are currently 47 states that have
passed laws regulating rental purchase transactions and another state that has a
retail installment sales statute that excludes rent-to-own transactions from its
coverage if certain criteria are met. These laws generally require certain
contractual and advertising disclosures. They also provide varying levels of
substantive consumer protection, such as requiring a grace period for late fees
and contract reinstatement rights in the event the rental purchase agreement is
terminated. The rental purchase laws of nine states limit the total amount of
rentals that may be charged over the life of a rental purchase agreement.
Several states also effectively regulate rental purchase transactions under
other consumer protection statutes. We are currently subject to outstanding
judgments and other litigation alleging that we have violated some of these
statutory provisions.



         Although there is no comprehensive federal legislation regulating
rental-purchase transactions, adverse federal legislation may be enacted in the
future. From time to time, legislation has been introduced in Congress seeking
to regulate our business. In addition, various legislatures in the states where
we currently do business may adopt new legislation or amend existing legislation
that could require us to alter our business practices.




                                       3



OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS ON A LIMITED NUMBER OF KEY PERSONNEL, WITH WHOM WE DO NOT
HAVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. THE LOSS OF ANY ONE OF THESE INDIVIDUALS COULD
DISRUPT OUR BUSINESS.



         Our continued success is highly dependent upon the personal efforts and
abilities of our senior management, including Mark E. Speese, our Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell E. Fadel, our President and
Chief Operating Officer, and Dana F. Goble, our Executive Vice President of
Operations. We do not have employment contracts with or maintain key-person
insurance on the lives of any of these officers and the loss of any one of them
could disrupt our business.



A SMALL GROUP OF OUR DIRECTORS AND THEIR AFFILIATES HAVE SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE
OVER THE OUTCOME OF CERTAIN CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING US, INCLUDING
POTENTIAL MERGERS OR ACQUISITIONS, THE CONSTITUTION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
AND SALES OR CHANGES IN CONTROL.



         Affiliates of Apollo Management IV, L.P. hold all of our outstanding
Series A preferred stock. Under the terms of our Series A preferred stock, the
holders of Series A preferred stock generally have the right to elect two
members to our board of directors. In addition, pursuant to the terms of a
stockholders agreement entered into among us, Apollo, Mark E. Speese and certain
other parties, Apollo has the right to nominate a third person to our board of
directors. The terms of our Series A preferred stock as well as the stockholders
agreement also contain provisions requiring Apollo's approval to effect certain
transactions involving us, including repurchasing shares of our common stock,
declaring or paying any dividend on our common stock, increasing the size of our
board of directors, selling all or substantially all of our assets and entering
into any merger or consolidation or other business combination.



         These documents also provide that one member of our audit committee,
compensation committee and finance committee must be a director who was elected
by Apollo. In addition, the terms of our Series A preferred stock and the
stockholders agreement restrict our ability to issue debt or equity securities
with a value in excess of $10 million without the majority affirmative vote of
our finance committee, and in most cases, require the unanimous vote of our
finance committee for the issuance of our equity securities with a value in
excess of $10 million.



OUR ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS, SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK AND DEBT INSTRUMENTS
CONTAIN PROVISIONS THAT MAY PREVENT OR DETER ANOTHER GROUP FROM PAYING A PREMIUM
OVER THE MARKET PRICE TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS TO ACQUIRE OUR STOCK.



         Our organizational documents contain provisions that classify our board
of directors, authorize our board of directors to issue blank check preferred
stock and establish advance notice requirements on our stockholders for director
nominations and actions to be taken at annual meetings of the stockholders. In
addition, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL
relating to business combinations. Our senior credit facilities, the indenture
governing Rent-A-Center East's subordinated notes and our Series A preferred
stock certificate of designations each contain various change of control
provisions which, in the event of a change of control, would cause a default
under those provisions. These provisions and arrangements could delay, deter or
prevent a merger, consolidation, tender offer or other business combination or
change of control involving us that could include a premium over the market
price of our common stock that some or a majority of our stockholders might
consider to be in their best interests.



OUR STOCK PRICE IS VOLATILE, AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RECOVER YOUR INVESTMENT
IF OUR STOCK PRICE DECLINES.



         The stock price of our common stock has been volatile and can be
expected to be significantly affected by factors such as:



         o        quarterly variations in our results of operations, which may
                  be impacted by, among other things, changes in same store
                  sales and when and how many stores we acquire or open;



         o        quarterly variations in our competitors' results of
                  operations;



         o        changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by
                  financial analysts;



         o        the stock price performance of comparable companies; and



         o        general market conditions or market conditions specific to
                  particular industries.




                                       4



OUR STOCK PRICE MAY DECLINE IF EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS SELL ADDITIONAL SHARES.



         As of September 30, 2002 and assuming the exercise of all outstanding
options, approximately 77.3% of our common stock on a fully diluted basis is
held by the public, approximately .8% is held by members of our management,
other than Mr. Speese, approximately 3.6% is held by Mr. Speese and
approximately 18.3% is held by Apollo Investment Fund IV, L.P., Apollo Overseas
Partners IV, L.P. and their affiliates. If these stockholders sell shares of our
common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could
fall. These sales might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or
equity-related securities in the future at a time and place that we deem
appropriate.



         Under the registration rights agreements we have entered into, Apollo
and its affiliates have the right to request that their shares be registered,
subject to a reduction in the number of shares upon the advice of a managing
underwriter in the related offering.




                                       5



                SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS



         The statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in
this prospectus are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as
"may," "will," "would," "expect," "intend," "could," "estimate," "should,"
"anticipate" or "believe." We believe that the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements are accurate. However, we cannot assure you that such
expectations will occur. Our actual future performance could differ materially
from such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include, but are not limited to:



         o        uncertainties regarding our ability to open new stores;



         o        our ability to acquire additional rent-to-own stores on
                  favorable terms;



         o        our ability to enhance the performance of these acquired
                  stores;



         o        our ability to control store level costs;



         o        our ability to realize benefits from our margin enhancement
                  initiatives;



         o        the results of our litigation;



         o        the passage of legislation adversely affecting the rent-to-own
                  industry;



         o        interest rates;



         o        our ability to collect on our rental purchase agreements;



         o        our ability to effectively hedge interest rates on our
                  outstanding debt;



         o        changes in our effective tax rate; and



         o        the other risks detailed from time to time in our Securities
                  and Exchange Commission, or SEC, reports.



         Additional factors that could cause our actual results to differ
materially from our expectations are discussed under the section entitled "Risk
Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should not unduly rely on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus.
Except as required by law, we are not obligated to publicly release any
revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances
occurring after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.




                                       6



                                  THE OFFERING



         The shares registered pursuant to this registration statement, of which
this prospectus is a part, may be issued by us from time to time to certain
optionholders pursuant to the exercise of the options which we granted to them.
Of the 260,000 shares we originally registered, 17,000 remain issuable pursuant
to the exercise of options granted to certain franchisees of our subsidiary
ColorTyme, Inc. We registered these shares to provide the optionholders with
freely tradeable securities, but the registration of these shares does not
necessarily mean that the shares will be issued by us.



         We will receive cash or other shares of our common stock equal to the
exercise price of the options upon the issuance of the registered shares.



                                 USE OF PROCEEDS



         The shares registered under this registration statement, of which this
prospectus is a part, are issuable pursuant to options granted to the
optionholders. We will receive cash or other shares of our common stock equal to
the exercise price for the options from the optionholders, which, with respect
to the cash, will be used for general working capital. We will not receive any
other proceeds.



                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION



         This prospectus relates to the issuance by us of up to 17,000 shares of
our common stock if, and to the extent that, outstanding options to purchase the
shares are exercised by the optionholders. The options were granted to certain
franchisees of ColorTyme. We have registered the shares to provide the holders
with freely tradeable securities, but the registration of the shares does not
necessarily mean that any of the shares will be issued by us. We have agreed to
pay for all of the expenses related to the registering of these shares.




                                       7



                    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS



         The following disclosure sets forth certain federal income tax
consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our
common stock. The disclosure is for general information only and does not
purport to be a complete analysis or identification of all potential tax
consequences. The disclosure applies only to persons who hold certain options to
acquire our common stock and who will, upon exercise of such options, hold our
common stock as a "capital asset" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. This summary is based on that code
and the laws, regulations, rulings and decisions in effect as of the date
hereof, any of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
The disclosure is not intended as tax advice to any person. In particular, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this disclosure does not
address the federal income tax consequences to persons in light of their
particular circumstances or status including:



         o        non-resident alien individuals and other foreign stockholders,



         o        tax-exempt entities,



         o        dealers in securities,



         o        financial institutions,



         o        insurance companies, and



         o        persons who own an option or, upon exercise of such option,
                  will own our common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, or
                  conversion transaction.



         This disclosure does not address any consequences under any state,
local, or foreign tax laws. We urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the
specific tax consequences relating to your acquisition, ownership and
disposition of our common stock, including tax return reporting requirements,
the application and effect of federal, state, local, foreign and other tax laws,
and the implications of any proposed changes in the tax laws.



EXERCISE OF OPTIONS



         If an optionholder exercises an option and pays the exercise price in
cash, that optionholder will recognize ordinary income in connection with
exercising the option equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common
stock received on the date of exercise over the cash exercise price.



         If an optionholder exercises an option and pays the exercise price with
our common stock, that optionholder will recognize ordinary income in connection
with exercising that option equal to the fair market value of the additional
shares received. That optionholder will not recognize income or gain with
respect to shares of our common stock surrendered as payment of the exercise
price.



BASIS



         If an optionholder pays the exercise price in cash, the optionholder's
basis in our common stock received by the optionholder will be equal to the
exercise price plus the amount of ordinary income, if any, recognized by the
optionholder in connection with the exercise of the option.



         If an optionholder pays the exercise price with our common stock, the
optionholder's basis in our common stock received by the optionholder will be
determined as follows:



         o        the number of shares received which is equal to the number of
                  shares surrendered will have a basis equal to the shares
                  surrendered, and



         o        the number of shares received which is in excess of the number
                  of shares surrendered will have a basis equal to the amount of
                  ordinary income, if any, recognized by the optionholder in
                  connection with exercising the option.



HOLDING PERIOD



         If an optionholder pays the exercise price in cash, the optionholder's
holding period in our common stock received by the optionholder will commence on
the date the option is exercised.




                                       8



         If an optionholder pays the exercise price with our common stock, the
optionholder's holding period in our common stock received by the optionholder
will be determined as follows:



         o        the number of shares received which is equal to the number of
                  shares surrendered will have a holding period which includes
                  the holding period of the shares surrendered, and



         o        the number of shares received which is in excess of the number
                  of shares surrendered will have a holding period which
                  commences on the date the option is exercised.



DISTRIBUTIONS



         If we make a distribution with respect to our stock which is treated as
a distribution of property to stockholders under Section 301 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, we will treat that distribution as a dividend to
stockholders to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.
A distribution that is treated as a dividend to a stockholder is included in the
stockholder's gross income. The amount of a distribution in excess of our
current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated, first, as a
tax-free return of capital which will reduce the stockholder's adjusted tax
basis in our common stock, and any amount in excess of such adjusted tax basis
will be taxable as capital gain.



         In the case of a stockholder which is a corporate taxpayer, the amount
of a distribution that is treated as a dividend is generally eligible for the
dividends-received deduction under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.



         We are required currently to withhold 30% of the amount of any dividend
distributed to a stockholder who does not provide its taxpayer identification
number to us on IRS Form W-8 or IRS Form W-9, as appropriate, or a substitute
Form W-8 or Form W-9.



CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS



         A stockholder will recognize capital gain or loss in connection with
the sale or other disposition of our common stock equal to the amount realized
from such sale or other disposition less the stockholder's basis in such stock.
That gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the
stockholder held such stock for more than one year. The gain or loss will be
treated as short-term capital gain or loss if the stockholder held such stock
for one year or less.



         Capital losses are deductible for tax purposes subject to certain
limitations. A stockholder other than a corporate taxpayer may deduct capital
losses only to the extent of capital gains realized in the same tax year plus
the lower of $3,000 or the excess of such stockholder's capital losses over
capital gains. To the extent a stockholder which is not a corporate taxpayer has
additional capital losses in excess of capital gains, the stockholder may carry
over such excess capital losses to each succeeding tax year until utilized. A
stockholder which is a corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses only to the
extent of capital gains realized in the same tax year. To the extent a
stockholder which is a corporate taxpayer has capital losses in excess of
capital gains, the stockholder may carry back such excess three tax years and
then may carry forward any unutilized capital losses five tax years.




                                       9



                                  LEGAL MATTERS



         The validity of the issuance of the shares of common stock offered by
this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.,
Dallas, Texas.



                                     EXPERTS



         The financial statements and related schedules of Rent-A-Center East,
incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of Rent-A-Center East for the year ended December 31, 2001, have been audited by
Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, as stated in their
reports included by reference in this prospectus. Such financial statements and
related schedules are incorporated in reliance on such reports given upon the
authority of the firm as experts in auditing and accounting.



                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION



         We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy this information at the
SEC's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington,
D.C. 20549.



         Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on its
regional public reference rooms. You may also obtain copies of this information
by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Our SEC filings are also
available to the public at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may
also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information about us at the
offices of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. National Market System, 1735 K Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1500.




                                       10



                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE



         The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file
with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference in
this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later
information filed with the SEC or contained in this prospectus updates and
supersedes this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed
below and any future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is completed.



         o        Rent-A-Center East's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                  ended December 31, 2001;



         o        Rent-A-Center East's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                  quarter ended March 31, 2002;



         o        Rent-A-Center East's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                  quarter ended June 30, 2002;



         o        Rent-A-Center East's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                  quarter ended September 30, 2002;



         o        those portions in Item 7 of, and the exhibits to,
                  Rent-A-Center East's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed August
                  12, 2002 (but specifically excluding those portions merely
                  furnished to the SEC under Item 9);



         o        those portions in Item 7 of, and the exhibits to,
                  Rent-A-Center East's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November
                  12, 2002 (but specifically excluding those portions merely
                  furnished to the SEC under Item 9);



         o        Rent-A-Center East's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December
                  31, 2002;



         o        our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31, 2002; and



         o        the description of the common stock contained in Rent-A-Center
                  East's Form 8-A (file no. 0-25370) filed with the SEC pursuant
                  to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                  updated in any amendment or report filed for such purpose.



         You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:



                               Rent-A-Center, Inc.
                         Attention: Corporate Secretary
                              5700 Tennyson Parkway
                                   Third Floor
                               Plano, Texas 75024
                            Telephone: (972) 801-1100




                                       11



                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS



ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.



         The following is a statement of estimated expenses incurred by us and
Rent-A-Center East in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
securities being registered pursuant to this registration statement, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions.





                                                                              AMOUNT
                                                                              -------
                                                                           
SEC registration fee ......................................................   $ 2,400
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee ...............       -0-
Printing and engraving fees and expenses ..................................    25,000
Legal fees and expenses ...................................................    25,000
Accounting fees and expenses ..............................................     3,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses ................................................       -0-
Nasdaq National Market listing fee ........................................       -0-
Miscellaneous .............................................................       600
                                                                              -------
       Total ..............................................................   $56,000




ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.



         Delaware General Corporation Law



         Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporate Law, or
DGCL, empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the
fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he
or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her
conduct was unlawful.



         Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action or suit by right of the corporation to
procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person acted in
any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the
defense or settlement of such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith
and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in
respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been
adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the
Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall
determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.



         Section 145 further provides that to the extent a present or former
director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or
otherwise in the defense of any such action, suit or proceeding referred to in
subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 or in the defense of any claim, issue or
matter therein, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection
therewith; that the indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights which the indemnified party may be
entitled; that indemnification provided by Section 145 shall, unless otherwise
provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to
be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of such
person's heirs, executors and administrators; and that a corporation may
purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director or officer of the
corporation against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by
him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her
against such liabilities under Section 145.




                                      II-1



         Certificate of Incorporation



         Our certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that our
directors shall not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:



         o        for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our
                  stockholders,



         o        for acts or occasions not in good faith or which involve
                  intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,



         o        in respect of certain unlawful dividend payments or stock
                  purchases or redemptions, or



         o        for any transaction from which the director derived an
                  improper personal benefit.



         If the DGCL is amended to authorize the further elimination or
limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of our directors,
in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided in the certificate
of incorporation, as amended, will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by
the DGCL. Further, if such provision of the certificate of incorporation is
repealed or modified by our stockholders, such repeal or modification will be
prospective only, and will not adversely affect any limitation on the personal
liability of directors arising from an act or omission occurring prior to the
time of such repeal or modification.



         Bylaws



         Our bylaws provide that we shall indemnify and hold harmless our
directors threatened to be or made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is
or was a director of Rent-A-Center, whether the basis of such a proceeding is
alleged action in such person's official capacity or in another capacity while
holding such office, to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL or any other
applicable law, against all expense, liability and loss actually and reasonably
incurred or suffered by such person in connection with such proceeding, so long
as a majority of a quorum of disinterested directors, the stockholders or legal
counsel through a written opinion determines that such person acted in good
faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
our best interests, and in the case of a criminal proceeding, such person had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Such
indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to serve in the
capacity which initially entitled such person to indemnity thereunder and shall
inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Our
bylaws also contain certain provisions designed to facilitate receipt of such
benefits by any such persons, including the prepayment of any such benefit.



         Insurance



         We have obtained a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy
insuring our directors and officers against certain losses resulting from
wrongful acts committed by them as directors and officers of Rent-A-Center,
including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.




                                      II-2


ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.

      EXHIBIT NO.                           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT


        2.1(1)                Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 30,
                              2002, by and among Rent-A-Center Inc. (formerly,
                              Rent-A-Center Holdings, Inc.), Rent-A-Center East,
                              Inc. (formerly, Rent-A-Center, Inc.) and RAC
                              Merger Sub, Inc.


        4.1(2)                Form of Certificate evidencing Common Stock.

        5.1*                  Opinion of Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.
                              regarding the validity of the securities being
                              registered.

       23.1*                  Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

       23.2*                  Consent of Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.
                              (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).


       24.1(3)                Power of Attorney of Mark E. Speese.



       24.2(4)                Power of Attorney of Laurence M. Berg.



       24.3(5)                Power of Attorney of Mary Elizabeth Burton.



       24.4(6)                Power of Attorney of Peter P. Copses.



       24.5(7)                Power of Attorney of Mitchell E. Fadel.



       24.6(8)                Power of Attorney of Andrew S. Jhawar.



       24.7(9)                Power of Attorney of J.V. Lentell.


----------

*        Filed Herewith.

(1)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's
         Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 31, 2002.


(2)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Rent-A-Center East,
         Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on January 19, 1999.



(3)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.1 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(4)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.2 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(5)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.3 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(6)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.4 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(7)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.5 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(8)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.6 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(9)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.7 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.



         (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In
the event that a claim of indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,




                                      II-3


officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of
any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.



         (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:



                  (1)      To file, during any period in which offers or sales
                           are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
                           registration statement;



                           (i)      to include any prospectus required by
                                    Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;



                           (ii)     to reflect in the prospectus any facts or
                                    events arising after the effective date of
                                    the registration statement (or the most
                                    recent post-effective amendment thereof)
                                    which, individually or in the aggregate,
                                    represent a fundamental change in the
                                    information set forth in the registration
                                    statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                                    any increase or decrease in volume of
                                    securities offered (if the total dollar
                                    value of securities offered would not exceed
                                    that which was registered) and any deviation
                                    from the low or high end of the estimated
                                    maximum offering range may be reflected in
                                    the form of prospectus filed with the SEC
                                    pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the
                                    aggregate, the changes in volume and price
                                    represent no more than a 20% change in the
                                    maximum aggregate offering price set forth
                                    in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
                                    table in the effective registration
                                    statement;



                           (iii)    to include any material information with
                                    respect to the plan of distribution not
                                    previously disclosed in the registration
                                    statement or any material change to such
                                    information in the registration statement;
                                    provided, however, that paragraphs (b)(1)(i)
                                    and (b)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
                                    registration statement is on Form S-3, Form
                                    S-8 or Form F-3, and the information
                                    required to be included in a post-effective
                                    amendment by those paragraphs is contained
                                    in periodic reports filed with or furnished
                                    to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to
                                    Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
                                    Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated
                                    by reference in the registration statement.



                  (2)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability
                           under the Securities Act, each such post-effective
                           amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
                           statement relating to the securities offered therein,
                           and the offering of such securities at that time
                           shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
                           thereof.



                  (3)      To remove from registration by means of a
                           post-effective amendment any of the securities being
                           registered which remain unsold at the termination of
                           the offering.



                  (4)      If the registrant is a foreign private issuer, to
                           file a post-effective amendment to the registration
                           statement to include any financial statements
                           required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any
                           delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering.
                           Financial statements and information otherwise
                           required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act
                           need not be furnished, provided, that the registrant
                           includes in the prospectus, by means of a
                           post-effective amendment, financial statements
                           required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other
                           information necessary to ensure that all other
                           information in the prospectus is at least as current
                           as the date of those financial statements.
                           Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to
                           registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective
                           amendment need not be filed to include financial
                           statements and information required by Section
                           10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or Rule 3-19 of this
                           chapter if such financial statements and information
                           are contained in periodic reports filed with or
                           furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to
                           Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities
                           Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference on
                           the Form F-3.



         (c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act




                                      II-4



(and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act) that is incorporated
by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.




                                      II-5


                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Plano, State of Texas, on January 22, 2003.


                                       RENT-A-CENTER, INC.


                                       By:  /s/ Mark E. Speese
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Mark E. Speese
                                            Chairman of the Board and
                                            Chief Executive Officer


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.





              Signature                                       Title                                   Date
              ---------                                       -----                                   ----
                                                                                          
/s/ Mark E. Speese                      Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer       January 22, 2003
----------------------------------                (Principal Executive Officer)
Mark E. Speese

/s/ Robert D. Davis                     Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial       January 22, 2003
----------------------------------        Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Robert D. Davis                                        Accounting Officer)

*                                                            Director                           January 22, 2003
----------------------------------
Laurence M. Berg

*                                                            Director                           January 22, 2003
----------------------------------
Mary Elizabeth Burton

*                                                            Director                           January 22, 2003
----------------------------------
Peter P. Copses

*                                                            Director                           January 22, 2003
----------------------------------
Mitchell E. Fadel

*                                                            Director                           January 22, 2003
----------------------------------
Andrew S. Jhawar

*                                                            Director                           January 22, 2003
----------------------------------
J.V. Lentell

* /s/ Mark E. Speese
----------------------------------
Mark E. Speese, Attorney-in-Fact





                                      II-6


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX




    EXHIBIT NO.                             DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
    -----------                             ----------------------
                           
        2.1(1)                Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 30,
                              2002, by and among Rent-A-Center Inc. (formerly,
                              Rent-A-Center Holdings, Inc.), Rent-A-Center East,
                              Inc. (formerly, Rent-A-Center, Inc.) and RAC
                              Merger Sub, Inc.

        4.1(2)                Form of Certificate evidencing Common Stock.

        5.1*                  Opinion of Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.
                              regarding the validity of the securities being
                              registered.

       23.1*                  Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

       23.2*                  Consent of Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.
                              (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).

       24.1(3)                Power of Attorney of Mark E. Speese.

       24.2(4)                Power of Attorney of Laurence M. Berg.

       24.3(5)                Power of Attorney of Mary Elizabeth Burton.

       24.4(6)                Power of Attorney of Peter P. Copses.

       24.5(7)                Power of Attorney of Mitchell E. Fadel.

       24.6(8)                Power of Attorney of Andrew S. Jhawar.

       24.7(9)                Power of Attorney of J.V. Lentell.



----------

*        Filed Herewith.

(1)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's
         Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 31, 2002.


(2)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Rent-A-Center East,
         Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on January 19, 1999.



(3)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.1 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(4)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.2 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(5)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.3 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(6)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.4 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(7)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.5 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(8)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.6 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.



(9)      Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.7 to the Registrant's
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
         filed on December 31, 2002.