arc Thrift Stores

arc Thrift Stores is a nonprofit thrift retail chain operating in Colorado and New Mexico. According to its official website, the organization has been in operation since 1968 and describes itself as committed to increasing employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. It also positions itself as an environmental advocate, encouraging donations that keep usable goods in circulation rather than in landfills. The chain operates a network of thrift stores that sell donated clothing, household goods, and other secondhand merchandise. Its stores are promoted as bright, clean, and attractive, with weekly sales and color-tag discount events. The website highlights recurring promotions such as "This Week's 50% Off" color tags, a Tuesday 55+ senior discount, and gift cards. The organization also solicits donations, volunteers, and employment applications through its site. arc Thrift Stores is closely tied to The Arc, a national advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission statement on its website says the chain exists to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing funding to support The Arc's chapters in Colorado and New Mexico. The site reports that it has provided millions of dollars to Arc advocacy chapters and has accumulated a large number of volunteer service hours, though the exact figures are displayed as animated counters on the homepage. Leadership includes Lloyd Lewis, identified on the About page as President/CEO of arc Thrift Stores. In his message, Lewis notes that he is the father of a son with Down syndrome and thanks shoppers and donors for supporting the organization's mission. The organization publishes an annual report, an economic impact study, and GuideStar information, and it describes itself as "A Study in Leadership." As a thrift retailer, arc Thrift Stores competes in the secondhand and resale market while functioning as a charitable enterprise. Its revenue model depends on donated goods, volunteer labor, and retail sales, with proceeds directed toward advocacy and services. The chain's dual identity as a value retailer and a disability advocacy fundraiser is central to its brand.

arc Thrift Stores traces its origins to 1968, according to its official website, which states that the organization has proudly done its part since that year to help make communities the best places to live and work. The chain was established as a nonprofit thrift retail operation tied to The Arc, a national organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From its base in Colorado, arc Thrift Stores grew into a network of thrift stores across the state and later expanded into New Mexico. The mission, as stated on its website, is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing funding to support The Arc's chapters in Colorado and New Mexico. This mission has remained central to the organization's identity throughout its history. The organization operates on a donated-goods model: it accepts donations of clothing, household items, and other goods, sells them through its retail stores, and directs proceeds toward advocacy and services. Over the decades, this model has allowed arc Thrift Stores to employ thousands of people, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to provide millions of dollars in funding to Arc advocacy chapters. The website displays counters for volunteer service hours and funds provided, reflecting the scale of its charitable impact. In recent years, arc Thrift Stores has emphasized both its social mission and its environmental role. Its website describes how donations help "green" the community and the world by extending the life of usable goods. The chain also promotes itself as a value retailer with bright, clean stores, weekly sales, and competitive prices. Leadership has included Lloyd Lewis as President/CEO. In his message on the About page, Lewis describes his personal connection to the mission as the father of a son with Down syndrome and thanks shoppers and donors for their support. The organization publishes an annual report, an economic impact study, and GuideStar information, and it presents itself as "A Study in Leadership." Today, arc Thrift Stores continues to operate as a nonprofit thrift chain in Colorado and New Mexico, balancing retail operations with its advocacy mission. It remains affiliated with The Arc and continues to solicit donations, volunteers, and employment applications through its website.

• 1968

  arc Thrift Stores is founded and begins operations.

• Expands thrift store network across Colorado.

• Extends operations into New Mexico.

• Provides millions of dollars in funding to Arc advocacy chapters in Colorado and New Mexico.

Nonprofit thrift chain combining value retail with disability advocacy and environmental sustainability.

• Used clothing

• Household goods

• Furniture

• Books and media

• Gift cards

1. 1arc Thrift Stores homepagearcthrift.com
2. 2About arc Thrift Storesarcthrift.com