FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Buddy’s Home Furnishings Ranks No. 267 on 2026 Franchise Times Top 400
Rent-to-Own Franchise Leader Celebrates 65th Anniversary with Largest U.S.-based Franchise System Recognition
Orlando, Fla., Sept. 30, 2026: Buddy’s Home Furnishings, a leader in the rent-to-own furniture and home essentials sector, ranked No. 267 on the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400, an annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales.
Produced by Franchise Times, the list follows a five-month research and reporting process each year. The recognition comes as Buddy’s celebrates 65 years in business and looks ahead following its acquisition by a partnership led by Skyline Investors alongside long-term operating partners Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott Alter, principals of Standard Communities, to form a new parent company of Alt-J.
“As Buddy’s celebrates 65 years in business, I can’t accept this recognition without thanking the franchise owners, store leaders and team members who move the brand forward,” said Michael Bennett, CEO of Buddy’s Home Furnishings. “Their work serving customers and sharing knowledge across our network helps us build on that history and strengthen the business for the future.”
Announced in January 2026, the acquisition provided Buddy’s with financial capacity to support and grow its franchise system. New ownership identified investments in systems, tools and support that directly affect franchisee unit economics as near-term priorities.
Since 1961, Buddy’s has grown to more than 220 stores across the United States and Guam, giving prospective franchisees an established foundation for ownership. Single- and multi-unit opportunities come backed by numerous training resources, rent-to-own specific operational systems and local and national marketing support.
To learn more about Buddy’s Home Furnishings and explore franchise opportunities, visit BuddysFranchising.com.
###
About Buddy’s Home Furnishings
Buddy’s Home Furnishings, which operates under the ownership of Skyline Investors, LLC, is a retailer specializing in the sales and rental ownership of furniture, electronics, and appliances. Buddy’s has more than 220 stores in the United States and Guam and has earned a fifth consecutive ranking in the Franchise 500. For more information, visit BuddysFranchising.com.
About Skyline Investors
Skyline Investors is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in micromarket companies with revenues ranging from $5 million to $50 million. Skyline provides flexible capital solutions, including control equity, mezzanine financing, and special situations funding. The firm invests across complementary sectors focused on community development, including healthcare, consumer and business services, technology, and domestic manufacturing. With a community-centered approach, Skyline partners with management teams to drive growth while creating jobs and empowering business owners to achieve their financial goals. For more information, visit www.skylineinv.com.
