U-Haul has found its place in Williamsburg.
Since July, renters can check out U-Haul trucks and trailers at the Apple Wagon Antique Mall at 8509 Old U.S. Hwy. 40.
Co-owner of the antique mall Bob Crocker said several months after the business opened last March, motorists had dropped in looking for trailers when theirs broke down.
Crocker called a representative from the U-Haul company who traveled to Williamsburg to study traffic patterns and help Crocker and his associates to learn how to rent the vehicles.
"It was a good business oriented move to get them in here and get us on the map a little," Crocker said.
Crocker went on to say it's a symbiotic relationship. Customers will come in looking to rent a truck or trailer and end up browsing the vendors' antique booths, usually finding something to take home. On the other hand, customers will purchase larger items that won't fit in their vehicle and end up renting a U-Haul. Vendors also take advantage of the proximity of U-Haul vehicles for antique shows - vendors will pack up their items and drive to various shows to sell their wares.
"As much as U-Haul helps us, we help them," Crocker said.
Since the antique mall is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the U-Haul rentals are available longer than other renters in nearby cities, which Crocker said is a draw for weekend movers.
"Location is everything," Crocker said. "And where we are we have a lot of traffic."
To reserve U-Haul products customers can call 573-254-3180.