Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – As prices for goods continue to rise and new tariffs threaten to cost consumers even more, many shoppers are expected to turn to resale and thrift stores to save money.

“As pricing goes up for regular retail, we’re going to see more activity,” said Shelley Flynn Singleton with Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries.

While operations remain steady at the organization’s 14 stores across central Illinois—including two in Springfield and one in Chatham—Singleton noted that rising fuel and utility costs are being closely monitored, as they could impact store operations in the near future.

Elizabeth Fishburn, owner of Second Time Around at 2440 Denver Drive in Springfield, said her store hasn’t seen much impact from tariffs yet. She noted that prices began rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Those prices never really came down,” she said. Fishburn’s shop sells both new and pre-owned items.

Jill Egizii, president of WILD Canine Rescue and its offshoot WILD Thrift and Sniff at 1633 N. Dirksen Parkway, said there’s always been a passion for thrifting, but the tariff issue is certainly going to drive people down the thrift avenue. “We hear from people all the time that they are trying to find things they would normally purchase retail in a regular department store and are overjoyed when they find the items at our store, sometimes still new with tags, and get a bargain.”

Egizi thinks we’re going to see WILD Thrift and Sniff and other thrift stores provide a steady shopping experience because the cost of living is obviously much higher.

With more people expected to turn to secondhand shopping, donations are more important than ever to keep shelves stocked.

Fishburn has definitely seen more customers trying to make extra money by clearing out their closets and consigning items with her store.

“We’re very blessed that people have continued to donate,” said Goodwill’s Singleton. “You never know what you’re going to find when you shop at Goodwill, including some very unique items.”

She added that Goodwill stores have helped shoppers, including brides-to-be, find great deals. Singleton shared the story of a bride who found her dress, veil, tiara and undergarments—all for under $200 at one of their recent bridal dress events featuring donated items.

At WILD Thrift and Sniff, Egizii said donations have been coming in nicely and the store is always busy. She feels many people will turn to recycling and find thrifting a really rewarding way to shop.

Not only can thrift shoppers purchase items for less than retail, but some shops are also giving back. Revenue generated by the Goodwill stores helps fund career centers, a youth mentoring program and vocational training for those with intellectual disabilities.

WILD Thrift and Sniff operates as a fundraising arm of WILD Canine Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which is devoted to saving animals in need. The store is staffed by volunteers.

Capital One shopping research shows the U.S. secondhand market brought in about $53 billion in revenue in 2023. There are more than 25,000 resale, consignment, and nonprofit thrift stores across the country. On average, shoppers save $1,760 each year by buying secondhand.

The National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops reports resale shopping attracts consumers from all economic levels. NARTS indicates there is no typical resale shopper, just as there is no typical resale shop. The savings generated by thrift shopping, according to NARTS, can improve quality of life and the money saved can be used for vacations, entertainment, funding college and retirement accounts, and expanding family activities.