Small market rental stores can’t compete with their large-market cousins when it comes to sales growth, but they can still set and break milestones. That’s what A M Rental Sales did last year, and the Monticello, AR store expects another record year in 2019. “We’re the only rental store in a town of barely 10,000, said store General Manager Terry Maloney. “We don’t have a big influx of people or industry to drive additional sales. We can still grow, though, but at a slower rate.”
According to Maloney, the town’s economy is sustained by two boat factories, a paper bag factory, and a styrofoam manufacturer. There’s also a hardwood flooring plant and a lumber mill, along with a vibrant logging industry.
“Probably half our rental sales go to area contractors, with homeowner and industry making up the remainder,” Maloney noted. “Contractors and local industries take advantage of our scissor lifts and telehandlers, skid steer loaders, trenchers, and tractors with front-end loaders. Homeowners are more in the market for man lifts for trimming trees, sewer snakes for unplugging pipes, and tractors and trenchers, as well, for odd jobs.”
He continued, “Last year, the tax reduction had a noticeable positive impact on the local economy, as did lower fuel cost. In small towns like ours, there’s no public transportation. Everyone drives and when gas prices drop, residents have more money to spend.”
A M Rental Rental Sales has been in business 20 years. The store has five full-time people and two who work part time.”
