Arc Thrift Stores opens first Albuquerque location

A Colorado-based thrift store chain that provides jobs to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or I/DD, opened its doors for the first time in Albuquerque on Thursday — ushering in shoppers, advocates and a message of inclusivity.

The company, arc Thrift Stores, is a nonprofit partnered with an advocacy organization called The Arc. The thrift store chain operates 36 locations in Colorado.

The New Mexico store, announced last year, is the 37th store for the nonprofit and marks arc’s first venture into the state. It is located on the West Side at 3301 Coors NW in the Ladera Shopping Center.

Thursday’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted a large crowd of community members, store leaders and local officials, all of whom were excited to see the almost 4,400-square-foot space filled after a long period of vacancy.

“I am the grandfather of an I/DD grandson,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Louie Sanchez. “I know that he will have a job. He will have a future because of organizations like arc.”

Lloyd Lewis, president and CEO of arc Thrift Stores, said the Albuquerque location will hire 50 employees, 10 of whom will be ambassadors — the term used by the nonprofit to refer to employees with I/DD.

Ambassadors handle everything from hanging clothes to greeting shoppers, shelving items, manning the cash register and accepting donations. Items that can be donated include clothing, shoes, furniture, books, toys, small electronics, and household items and decor. The New Mexico store’s donation drop-off spot is located on the north end of the building.

Revenue from the store will benefit The Arc of New Mexico, launched as a statewide chapter in 1955.

“This year, our mission is to fight for the rights of persons who each have a thousand abilities and an intellectual and developmental disability to be full community members,” said Jennifer Espey, executive director of The Arc of New Mexico, at the thrift store grand opening last week.

Espey added, “The arc Thrift Store is going to help us with the necessary supports and services and advocacy work to make our mission into a reality for more New Mexicans than ever.”

Arc Thrift Stores would like to have as many as 10 stores across New Mexico, including five in Albuquerque, in the future, Lewis said. The company is eyeing some Big Lots stores that may be closing, Lewis added.

One of the store’s first shoppers, Nancy Ortiz, 55, said knowing the impact the store will have makes her want to shop there even more.

Shopping at the store also resonated with avid thrifter Jodi Garcia, whose aunt has a developmental disability and is involved with The Arc of New Mexico.

“It’s been the biggest impact because her options are so limited, and The Arc provides her with confidence and being able to pursue her dreams,” Garcia said. “When she goes in for a job ... they push her toward being a janitor, and she’s like, ‘I’m so much more than that.’ ... This means a lot to us.”