Rent-A-Center @ The Cartel Group.

Rent-A-Center, Inc. announced that it has selected San Antonio, TX-based The Cartel Group as the company’s Hispanic market agency of record, following a nationwide search.

Opening review for the company’s multi-million dollar Hispanic account began in December 2003 with 13 competing agencies. Subsequently, it was narrowed down to three finalists. While satisfied with the results of its previous Hispanic campaign, Rent-A-Center was looking for an agency that would not only leverage unique insights and acumen in this market, but also possessed a comprehensive skill-set, as well as experience with other market segments and industries.

“Our initial efforts in the Hispanic market with Euro RSCG have been successful, but we are now ready to take our efforts to the next level,” said Ann Davids, Rent-A-Center’s vice president of advertising. “We feel that The Cartel Group can help us achieve the results we are looking for,” she added.

Victoria Varela, CEO of The Cartel Group, expressed the agency’s pride over Rent-A-Center’s decision. “Rent-A-Center offers a phenomenal service and has long been committed to taking excellent care of the Hispanic consumer,” she said. “This, combined with The Cartel Group’s many years of retail experience, makes for an ideal partnership. We are confident of the results.”

The agency’s responsibilities will include strategic brand positioning, creative development and production for TV and print media.