The Mr Rental franchise, specialising in the rental of white goods and appliances, expects 2010 to be the final year new territories will be available to incoming franchisees.

Mr RentalÕs general manager, Alan Payne, said that extraordinary growth last year, which saw the opening of the franchiseÕs milestone 60th store, meant the group was likely to sell the last of its Greenfield opportunities in both Australia and New Zealand this year.

“Over the course of the next six months, we have another 16 stores opening, quickly taking us to the 80 outlet mark,” he said.

Payne said unprecedented interest was not only coming from prospective franchisees, but also from those who already held one or even two Mr Rental franchises and were looking to expand.

“While many other businesses suffered last year, due to a struggling economy, our organisation only went from strength to strength, and our franchisees reaped the rewards of a financially rewarding business with an equally attractive lifestyle.

“Renting is an attractive option for families looking to maximise their cashflow by not having to purchase big ticket items outright, while ensuring theyÕre not denying their familyÕs basic needs,” Payne said.

Over the first half of 2010, four Mr Rental stores are due to open in Queensland, another two in Victoria, two in New South Wales, and two more in Tasmania. New Zealand is also set to increase its store quota, with another three stores due to open in 2010.

Mr Rental was founded in 1991 by Glen and Kerrianne Hickman, on Bribie Island, just an hour north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland. In 2001 they took the bold move to start franchising, with a vision for Mr Rental to become Ôthe worldÕs first choice in home appliance rentingÕ.

Within two years they had over 30 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand, growing to close to 70 stores today.