Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2015 22 meet everyday laundry challenges in developing countries. Featuring innovations such as backup water source, cleanable water filters and a rechargeable battery capable of finishing a wash-dry cycle, the Super Combo Global South will also launch in India this fall. The "smart" and Global South models are the latest generations of Equator's best-selling Super Combo, the world's first convertible venting-condensing combo washer-dryer. At just 22 inches deep, the Super Combo is the slimmest combo on the market and boasts energy-saving, time-saving features that have secured it numerous design and industry awards. The Super Combo is available at leading home appliance retailers. For more on Equator Appliances and its products, visit www.equatorappliances.com. TEMPOE ACQUIRES SMARTPAY TM LEASING, INC. Move broadens TEMPOE's offerings to include mobile device leasing TEMPOE, a leading provider of no credit required shopping, has acquired San Francisco-based SmartPay TM Leasing, Inc. SmartPay, which provides lease options for smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices, was acquired from its parent company, Better Finance, Inc. "Consumers are looking for ways to spread out payments for these products, which have become essential to everyday life," said Orlando Zayas, TEMPOE president. "This is a logical move for us and expands TEMPOE's offerings into this rapidly growing market." SmartPay Leasing currently allows wireless carriers and retailers to spread customer payments over time for smartphones and other consumer electronics items. The service is available across the U.S. The SmartPay name will be integrated into TEMPOE's portfolio of offerings, and the combined company will provide more benefits for retailers and their customers. The SmartPay team, led by General Manager Ken Pedotto, will remain in place in San Francisco. "This is about combining two technology-based companies to provide even better lease solutions. Now retailers can more easily help all of their customers to get the devices they want, which will help increase sales in each store," said Pedotto. "In addition, our employees will now be part of a larger company where they can leverage additional resources." For retailers, offering SmartPay can grow sales by expanding what customers can afford. SmartPay uses existing sales infrastructure and provides retailers with marketing tools to make it easy for customers to apply, be approved and make a purchase in store. TEMPOE will continue to grow through strategic acquisitions, new market penetration and product expansion. "We are interested in taking our model to additional channels while continuing to expand our reach in the markets we're already in," said Zayas. "This acquisition is just the start of a solid business strategy." For more information about TEMPOE and the several payment options it provides retailers, visit www.TEMPOE.com. PRODUCT ONCE MADE AT GE'S APPLIANCE PARK COMES HOME GE Zoneline ® packaged terminal room air conditioners startsfull production at Appliance Park in first quarter of 2016—brings 75 new jobs and $40 million investment As part of a $250 million investment GE Appliances is making in the three-year period ending in 2016 at its Appliance Park manufacturing location in Louisville, the company is adding a new product category to the current lineup of refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers and hybrid water heaters manufactured there. GE Zoneline ® , a through-the-wall heating and air conditioning unit, mainly used in the hotel/motel industry, will start full production in the first quarter of 2016. GE Zoneline PTAC models were made at Appliance Park from 1961 until 1987 when manufacture of the product was outsourced overseas. The new Zoneline units will be manufactured at Appliance Park in the same building as the GeoSpring™ hybrid water heaters, becoming the second new product platform brought to Appliance I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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