Longtime Richmond Highway party rental store to hold liquidation sale

Rent-All Center on Richmond Highway closed on Dec. 31, 2017, and will be holding a liquidation sale Saturday and Sunday.

When Freeman and Lois Jones started their family-operated rental business in 1970, they had no idea that it would become one of the leading party rental businesses serving the D.C. area and a place where their future grandchildren would pick up skills that have served them well into adulthood.

The Jones family’s Rent-All Center at 8412 Richmond Highway — until its official closure on the last day of 2017 — was the place to go to rent a wide variety of equipment and supplies for events ranging from small birthday parties and receptions, to large galas, weddings, corporate events and balls. The business prided itself on the quality of its products and services, its integrity and its stability — especially its commitment to its location along the Route 1 corridor and its multi-generational management and sales team.

While Freeman Jones passed away in 1979, his wife continued to work at the store until she was almost 80, said their daughter, Judy Jones Beyer. She recounted how her mother, who passed away early last year, declined to learn how to use a computer when the store computerized in 1999, as she was convinced that she could complete a written contract faster.

“Rent-All was a huge part of our lives,” said Beyer. “All of our sons worked at the store through high school and college, and some longer. They learned such good people skills there. They learned how to use all of the equipment, and it made them very capable adults.”

Besides renting party tents of various sizes, Rent-All provided party goods ranging from podiums and dance floors, to china and punch servers. Many of those items will be available for purchase at the store’s liquidation sale starting this weekend. The property was put on the market last week, so Beyer and her brother Doug Jones are working to empty the building through weekend sales until everything is gone.

In coming years, Beyer is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren but will miss the nearly 50-year-old business and its clientele.

“Although we are happy to have a little more time for our families, it is bittersweet,” said Beyer. “We especially loved all of our terrific, loyal customers.”

Rent-All Center’s liquidation sale will take place this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Besides discounted party equipment and supplies, the sale will include some tools and lawn and garden equipment.