ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Thrift stores in Rockford play a vital role in the local economy, keeping things out of the landfill, providing affordable goods and raising funds for nonprofit organizations.

But are items purchased at a thrift store always a good deal? Expert thrifters say it depends on strategy.

“Know exactly what you want to buy,” said Clara Gooden, of Rockford, about her first rule of thumb.

Gooden says she’s always looking for a good price, but isn’t willing to sacrifice quality.

“I am looking for things that can hold against the time,” she said. “I bought a leather sofa, with a big, huge leather chair with an ottoman. I paid $800 for it at a thrift store. Can you imagine how much that is today if I go out and buy it? It’d be paying some thousands.”

Resale shops often carry quality brands like Levi’s and Patagonia, which retail for hundreds. At thrift stores, shoppers can grab them for a fraction of that. The only trade off is that most items are used.

“They’ll be Google Lensing some of the items to compare the prices,” said Angela Jones, a processor at Carpenter’s Corner in Rockford.

The unpredictability of thrift store inventories adds to the thrill for customers, with treasures often emerging unexpectedly. Joe Johnson is a frequent Rockford thrifter who’s often on the hunt for clothing and glassware. His main strategy is to browse and browse often.

“I usually go and look for what strikes me,” Johnson said. “If you find something you really like, it depends on the price.”

But like Gooden, Johnson is looking for quality and will pay a few dollars more for it. He emphasizes inspecting items closely, especially glassware.

“Touch it,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t always see it. But if there’s a crack or a problem with it, you can feel it.”

Thrifting’s popularity is also growing among teens. Thirteen-year-old Grace Kruchten said the practice continues to grow on her.

“I try to find one thing and then try and find a similar thing and see which one’s a better price and pick between those,” Kruchten said.

And it’s paying off.

“The bike I rode here today I thrifted from this store,” she said.

Kruchten added that her growing cost-conscious mindset is helping other young people learn to stretch their dollars.

Ten tips for successful thrifting

1. Visit regularly for fresh finds: Unlike retail stores with consistent stock, thrift stores rotate inventory often, sometimes daily. Frequent stops increase your chances of discovering unique items like vintage clothing or furniture before they’re gone.

2. Learn to spot quality brands: Thrift stores often carry well-made, name-brand goods donated in excellent condition. Familiarize yourself with the labels of those durable brands to snag items that would cost hundreds new.

3. Time sales and discounts: Many thrift stores offer seasonal sales, or loyalty discounts—benefits rarely seen in retail. Resale stores often hold daily “color sales,” offering discounts on items with certain colored price tags. Planning your visits around these events can slash prices even further, turning a $10 deal into a $2 steal.

4. Inspect items thoroughly: Retail stores guarantee new condition, but thrift shopping requires diligence. And while processors usually inspect items before they’re put on the floor, they will sometimes miss issues. Check for wear or damage to ensure you’re getting value.

5. Compare Prices Online: Before buying, use your phone to check online prices for similar items. This ensures you’re getting a true bargain, avoiding paying too much for used goods that might be cheaper elsewhere.

6. Shop off-peak hours: Visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, reduces competition and lets you browse without having to jostle for the best items. Shopping during off-peak hours also increases your odds of finding overlooked treasures.

7. Focus on seasonal items: Thrift stores often have out-of-season goods at low prices, like winter coats in summer. This contrasts with retail’s seasonal pricing, letting you grab an otherwise expensive coat, for example, for pennies on the dollar, well ahead of the cold season.

8. Explore lesser-known stores: Checking out smaller or less-popular thrift stores can reveal hidden gems with lower prices.

9. Check for hidden value: Look for items like antiques or collectibles that may be undervalued. Thrift stores often miss their worth, offering finds that could resell for far more.

10. Join online thrift communities: Local Facebook groups or apps share thrift store updates and deals, providing insider info retail shoppers miss.

What’s your strategy?