Nationwide Marketing Group recently announced the addition of Kornerstone Credit and American First Finance to its portfolio. These companies expand the lease-to-own (LTO) and installment financing options for retailer members.
“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 in an official statement. “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.”
Kornerstone Credit’s lease-to-own program includes 24-hour funding, lower monthly consumer payments and marketing assistance for new retail partners. American First Finance is a bank installment loan program which provides coverage for retailers in several states, including where LTO programs are unavailable. Additionally, American First Finance’s program includes next-business day funding.
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,” said Ed Haluska, chief revenue officer for American First Finance in regards to the partnership with Nationwide. “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 commented, “The best retailers in the country are members of Nationwide’s premier buying and marketing group, which makes this a perfect opportunity for us. 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.”
For nearly 50 years, Nationwide Marketing Group has provided buying, marketing and business support over 5,500 members who operate more than 14,000 storefronts across the U.S.
See also: Nationwide Marketing Group Introduces Connected Home Division
