WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Nationwide Marketing Group announced today that Kornerstone Credit and American First Finance have joined its portfolio of financing partners, expanding opportunities for its retailers with lease-to-own (LTO) and installment financing options.
Kornerstone Credit’s lease-to-own program covers a wide range of product categories and includes 24-hour funding, lower monthly payments for consumers and marketing assistance for new retail partners.
American First Finance’s offering is a bank installment loan program, which provides coverage for retailers in several states, including where LTO programs are unavailable. American First Finance’s program also includes broad product coverage and next-business day funding.
“Kornerstone Credit and American First Finance both appealed to us because of their more inclusive approach to product coverage, which includes appliances, electronics, cabinets, flooring, HVAC, bedding, furniture and even outdoor products,” says Megann McDaniel, director of financial services for Nationwide. “This means more flexibility for our members and increased purchasing power for their customers. In addition, American First Finance’s installment loan option fills a much-needed gap for members in Minnesota, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Wyoming, where traditional lease-to-own programs are not allowed by state law.”
According to Ed Haluska, chief revenue officer for American First Finance, Nationwide and its members became an obvious choice once the company established its true 50-state solution.
“This partnership just makes sense,” Haluska says. “Our non-prime loan solutions offer consumers day-one ownership and longer terms, and work for all products, services, sales taxes, labor and warranties. With the state regulatory limitations on lease-to-own and what it can or cannot be used for, having a true loan solution to offer these same shoppers will allow Nationwide Marketing Group members to sell even more with less work. Whether your customers are starting out or starting over, American First Finance has the consumer finance solutions to help you increase same-store sales and let your customers shop when they want to, where they want to and how they want to – regardless of their credit.”
Eliot Kang, CEO of Kornerstone Credit, says he is excited by his company’s partnership with Nationwide, which will include exclusive discounts and programs to help boost sales and improve customer retention.
“The best retailers in the country are members of Nationwide’s premier buying and marketing group, which makes this a perfect opportunity for us,” Kang says. “The benefits they bring to their member base are unmatched, and we are excited to provide an even greater value-add through affordable and easy no-credit-needed financing options.”
About Nationwide Marketing Group
Nationwide Marketing Group works on behalf of thousands of independent appliance, furniture, bedding, electronics, specialty electronics, custom installation and rent-to-own dealers helping them grow their businesses and thrive on their own terms. With over 5,500 members who operate more than 14,000 storefronts, Nationwide Marketing Group is the largest buying, marketing and business support organization of its kind, representing billions in combined annual sales across the membership. For nearly 50 years, the organization has remained committed to the independent channel, empowering members with the scale, sophistication and efficiencies they need to compete while delivering the unmatched business intelligence, tools and resources required to win in an ever-changing business environment. To learn more, visit nationwidegroup.org.
Media Contact:
Amy Croom
336-714-8803
amy.croom@nationwidegroup.org
