With inflation putting pressure on American wallets, many people are choosing to rent instead of buy. Nowadays, you can rent everything from vacation homes to bicycles, even pets and wedding dresses.
The rental economy is growing, offering people an economical way to access goods and experiences without having to commit to a long-term investment.
At Something Borrowed in Provo, owner Brooke Holahan has built a thriving business around renting wedding dresses.
The store currently has over 1,400 wedding dresses. Some dresses have been rented out 15 to 17 times, according to Holahan, providing brides who consign their dresses in her store with a great return on investment, as a new wedding dress can cost thousands of dollars.
The trend extends beyond clothing. From scooters to real estate, almost everything can now be rented.
Rental platforms like Turo, the “Airbnb of car rentals,” allow individuals to rent cars directly from individual owners, making the rental process easier and cheaper.
There are also those who are renting out their home pool, video games, moving boxes, toys, sports equipment, baby accessories, and much more.
Renting not only helps people save money; it also attracts those who are rethinking our capitalist culture. Some young adults are moving away from fast fashion and disposable products, embracing the idea of reuse as a way to reduce environmental harm and avoid sending used items to landfills. Renting gives people the option to access high-quality items without committing to ownership, which can lead to clutter and/or waste.
Source: KUTV