The only reason video rental was even a thing in the first place is because new releases on VHS used to cost close to $100 each. Well over $200 adjusted for inflation. Video rentals started to go tits up once cheap DVDs became standardized, and streaming was just the final blow. That being said, rentals are still pretty common in rural areas. Maybe not dedicated stores, but often as part of a supermarket.

The only reason video rental was even a thing in the first place is because movies on VHS used to cost close to $100 each. Well over $200 adjusted for inflation. Video rentals started to go tits up once cheap DVDs became standardized, and streaming was just the final blow. That being said, rentals are still pretty common in rural areas. Maybe not dedicated stores, but often as part of a supermarket.