As we put the wraps on another year, it's always fun to take a step back and see how far we've come.

Not just as people but as a city and sometimes the easiest way to see how much has changed is to take a look at the commercials businesses used to get you to buy their products.

SOME OF THESE OLD COMMERCIALS HAVEN'T AGED WELL

In the 1980s, the production value of these commercials was all about the flash.

pbarrett via YouTube
pbarrett via YouTube
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In this chunk of commercials on pbarrett's YouTube channel, you'll see plenty of flash and some that are just there hoping you'll buy their products.

HOWEVER, SOME OF THE BUSINESSES ARE STILL GOING STRONG

You'll also notice some places are still around to this day, like Gustafson's and Lou Bachrodt.

pbarrett via YouTube
pbarrett via YouTube
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While others, namely the water bed stores, are long gone.

pbarrett via YouTube
pbarrett via YouTube
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Watch the video, and see if you remember some of these Rockford businesses.

I arrived in Rockford in the late 90s and I recall about 4 or 5 of these still open for business.

Here's the full list:

  • Martin Gustafson's
  • Prange's
  • Bergner Weise
  • Comay's
  • Anything Wood Waterbeds
  • Wolf Chevrolet
  • The Willing Men of Olds
  • The Bedroom
  • L. Knight's Armor
  • Rockford Furniture Mart
  • Johnson's Appliance & TV Centers
  • Lou Bachrodt
  • Command Performance
  • DJ Stewart
  • The Grate Plate

1980s Rockford TV Commercials Will Remind You of the Good Old Days

Talk about a blast from the past. Some of these places are still around too.

if you happen to know of where we might be able to find even more old Rockford commercials, tell us.

37 Rockford Stores & Restaurants We Want to See Make a Comeback

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