ST. LOUIS — From musical instruments to everyday clothes, renting is becoming a smart and economical choice for people of all ages.
For Zachary Wampler, renting is more than just a trend, it’s a family tradition. Zachary and his father, Pat, run a small construction equipment called We Rent It. What they do is literally in its name, they rent tools and have for more than 40 years in The Hill.
While big-box chains rent construction equipment, the Wamplers’ store gives a personal touch. And when people were stuck in their homes during the pandemic, We Rent It saw a flurry of customers. Pat and Zach joke they saw those who wanted to spruce up their homes during social distancing, and then from those contractors who were hired to fix those DIY attempts.
"If somebody wants something more than a couple times, we'll buy one, just so they can have it," said Pat Wampler. "They don't have to own it, because it's not only the cost of acquisition, but it's storing it. It's maintaining it."
Their small, mom-and-pop shop is the only one of its kind in St. Louis, offering a unique and personalized rental experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
But, it's not just construction equipment that’s up for grabs. The younger generation, in particular, is increasingly renting everything from high-end clothing to luxury handbags. According to industry estimates, the clothing rental market is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2031. Platforms like Rent the Runway have made it easier for people to wear designer brands without the hefty price tag.
And, it doesn’t stop at fashion. Larry Byndon, of Bi-State Cremation and Funeral Service, points out that even caskets are rentable. It's not exactly a new trend, but as cremation becomes more popular, families are opting to rent caskets more often for a variety of reasons. Some want to save money, others want to make more eco-friendly choices, as people opt for cremation over burial.
"Caskets prices can be everywhere, from $500 to $20,000 to $30,000," said Byndon. "It all depends on you know what you want."
Byndon also rents urns, another cost-saving option that helps families honor their loved ones without breaking the bank.
Whether it’s for a one-time occasion or something you can use every day, renting can open up options for people who are trying to make ends meet.
Larry Byndon said no matter what you want, make sure your wishes are known. Pat Wampler has some advice about renting his equipment. He said it's always worth trying to save money on those home repairs, and borrowing some equipment is a good way to start.
Whether it’s for a one-time occasion or something you can use every day, renting can open up options for people who are trying to make ends meet or want to afford an occasional luxury.