Aarons 2004 Annual Report Download - page 13

Aaron’s associates continue to give their
time and talents as volunteers in many
worthy causes, and Aaron’s Community
Outreach Program (ACORP) has made substantial
contributions to communities served by the
Company’s stores. Through this program, a store
may earn, based on attained performance goals, up
to $500 each month to be donated to local charities
selected by the store’s associates. Recipients of
the Aaron’s donations represent a wide range of
organizations, including Boys and Girls Clubs, the
Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Muscular Dystrophy
Association and Toys For Tots. Since 1999, ACORP
has donated more than
$2.2 million to deserving
charities in communities
served by Aaron’s stores,
a tangible expression of
the spirit of giving of
Aaron’s associates.
In 2004, ACORP was proud
to again partner with the
Warrick Dunn Foundation
and Kurt Warner’s First
Things First in “Homes for
the Holidays,” an initiative
Aaron’s Community Outreach Program
Adding Time and Talent to Our Communities
to help single mothers become first-time homeown-
ers. Through these two programs, NFL football
greats Warrick Dunn and Kurt Warner make the
down payments on new houses and work with
local organizations to equip and furnish the homes.
Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership has provided
all of the furniture for homes in Atlanta, Tampa
and Baton Rouge.
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During 2004, MacTavish produced more than
$70 million in furniture, accessories and
bedding at cost, ranking this division among
the top furniture manufacturers in the United States.
Aaron’s vertical integration and volume purchasing
are competitive advantages and key factors in
assuring timely delivery of merchandise to cus-
tomers. Unique in its industry, Aaron’s produces
the majority of the furniture for its stores at ten
MacTavish Furniture Industries facilities which
comprise the Company’s manufacturing division,
creating cost benefits that are passed on to cus-
tomers. More importantly, the manufacturing
division adds value to customers. Aaron’s
specialists adapt best-selling designs and add
MacTavish Furniture Industries and Fulfillment Centers
Adding Value to Customers
extra hardwood to frames, more coils and higher-
grade foam to provide a more durable and more
comfortable product.
Vertical integration allows the Company to control
design and quality, ensuring the functionality and
durability required for multiple rentals. Supporting
this manufacturing capability is a network of ful-
fillment centers, a dedicated store service system
unmatched by any competitor. Thirteen fulfillment
centers are strategically located in 12 states, enabling
stores to provide same-day or next-day delivery,
another competitive edge. The Company plans to
open several more fulfillment centers in 2005
to accommodate the expected store growth.