Want to look classy, but lack the funds? The answer is easy: Rent your way to cool. The UK Telegraph reports that “rented lifestyles” are becoming increasingly popular:
Websites offering deals on everything from jewellery and children’s toys to fast cars and affordable artwork for a fraction of the price of buying have experienced a surge in visitor numbers.
“The credit crisis has been instrumental in turning people round to renting much more – you get the experience of a carrying a Prada bag or [driving] a Ferrari but you don’t have the outlay,” Erento’s (a rental company’s) Clinton Patterson said.
Sandy Chadha, managing director of handbag rental firm www.fashionhire.co.uk, said number of transactions on the site have increased to around 9,000 this month. Business has grown 25 per cent this quarter compared to the same period last year.
Even brides are considering cutting costs by hiring. Sue Goodchild, owner of Essex-based House of Couture designer wedding dress company, said around 30 per cent of brides have switched from buying to renting.
