• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!We Are Having Fun!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Showplace

By MarionMade! on August 31, 2017

SHOWPLACE.

Gary and Mary Ann Ferriman started selling TV sets from the front porch of their Marion home in January 1981 under the name TV Outlet while working full time jobs. They moved the business into its first commercial location on Mound Street in 1982. A suggestion was made in 1983 to rent those TVs for $10/week, and their rent-to-own careers were born!

The business grew rapidly and, in 1986, moved to its current Bellefontaine Avenue location. TV Outlet grew to three locations by 1989, adding stores in Kenton and Edison (since moved to Mt. Gilead). TV Outlet was renamed Showplace in the early 1990’s–the new company name coming from an employee-wide contest.

Showplace continued to expand, reaching a peak of 25 locations, downsizing to improve quality over time, operating anywhere from 13-15 stores since. The newest location is in Tiffin, with another store slated to open in September in Upper Sandusky.

Showplace’s mission is to be a special place to shop, a special place to work, and to be the best rent-to-own store in town. This focus on employees, customers, and culture, is combined with a strong financial commitment to a number of local charities–including United Way, Goodwill, YMCA, Safety City, Boys and Girls Club, Kidney Dialysis and Cystic Fibrosis.

#MarionMade #WeAreShowplace

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • George King Brown

    Known for his unique way of persuading others to see and believe in his vision, the late George King Brown proudly carried on his family’s tradition of hard work, leadership, and philanthropy throughout his life. Brown had a zest for life that rivaled the Energizer Bunny. He made the most of every day of his […]Read More »
  • Kids and Families Find Fun at the Explore-It-Torium

    One retired teacher took the Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum from an idea to a reality in 2019. The 10,000 square foot museum of play at the historic Carnegie Library at 224 S. Main Street. After honing her business plan in The Forge business classes, Cindy Binns used volunteers and grants to offer children and families a […]Read More »
  • Ozias Bowen Homes

    Young attorney Ozias Bowen came to Marion in 1828 and started his law office.  Five years later, he married Lydia Baker, daughter of town founder Eber Baker, and their house at 270 E. Center St. was the first brick house in the village of Marion. Bowen admired the ancient Greek and Roman republics and he […]Read More »
  • Active Corgi Among Fastest in the Nation

    Nancy Carey’s adopted 7-month-old puppy was way more active than her six past Corgis. “Lily got into everything and was so fast I couldn’t catch her,” Carey said. “She is smart, agile and athletic with a huge herding instinct.” After many stolen socks and shredded paper towel rolls, a dog trainer suggested Carey take Lily […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image