What Arc Thrift Stores Are and Who Runs Them

Arc Thrift Stores are operated by The Arc, a national nonprofit organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The stores sell donated clothing, furniture, books, household goods, and electronics at low prices. Money from sales funds job training, employment support, and community programs for people with disabilities in your local area.

The Arc runs thrift stores in multiple states, though not every city has one. Each store is independently operated by a local Arc chapter, so inventory, hours, and specific programs vary by location. You can find the nearest Arc Thrift Store by visiting The Arc's website and using their store locator, or by searching "Arc Thrift Store near me" plus your city name.

Unlike national thrift chains, Arc stores are tied directly to disability services in your community. When you shop there, your money stays local and funds programs you may know people who use.

Key Takeaways

  • Arc Thrift Stores are run by The Arc, a nonprofit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and profits fund local disability programs.
  • Each Arc store is operated by a local chapter, so hours, location, and what they stock differ from store to store.
  • You can donate items at most Arc Thrift Stores, and many offer free or discounted pickup for large donations like furniture.
  • Prices are typically lower than department stores but higher than some other thrift chains, and sales often run on specific days or item categories.
  • Arc Thrift Stores accept clothing, books, furniture, kitchenware, and electronics in working condition, though policies on what they take vary by location.

What You Can Buy and How Prices Compare

Arc Thrift Stores stock used clothing for men, women, and children; books; furniture; kitchen and dining items; small appliances; electronics; toys; and seasonal goods. The selection changes constantly because inventory depends on donations. Popular items like brand-name jeans, winter coats, and working electronics sell quickly, so visiting regularly or calling ahead to ask if they have what you need can save a trip.

Prices are generally lower than retail but vary by item condition and category. A used winter coat might cost $8 to $15, a book $1 to $3, and a working microwave $10 to $25. Furniture prices depend on size and condition—a used dining chair might be $5 to $15, while a sofa could run $40 to $100. Many Arc stores run sales on specific days (often weekends) or mark down entire categories, so asking about upcoming sales when you visit can stretch your budget further.

Prices are typically higher than Goodwill or Salvation Army stores but lower than consignment shops. The difference reflects that Arc is a smaller nonprofit with fewer locations and higher operating costs per store.

How to Donate Items to Arc Thrift Stores

Most Arc Thrift Stores accept donations of clothing, books, furniture, kitchenware, and working electronics during store hours. You can drop off items at the store entrance or customer service desk. Call your local Arc Thrift Store before donating large items like furniture or appliances to confirm they accept them and to ask about pickup options—many locations offer free or low-cost pickup for donations that are too large to carry.

Arc stores do not accept items that are stained, torn, broken, or missing pieces, because they need to resell items in condition customers will buy. Donations are tax-deductible, though Arc Thrift Stores do not provide written receipts for individual donations. You can estimate the fair market value of what you donate using IRS guidelines and keep your own records for tax purposes.

Some Arc chapters also accept donations by mail or through scheduled pickup programs for people who cannot visit in person. Contact your local Arc Thrift Store directly to ask whether they offer these options.

Store Hours, Location, and How to Find Your Nearest Location

Arc Thrift Stores operate in multiple states but are not present everywhere. Hours vary by location—some are open six days a week, others five, and a few operate seven days. Most open between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and close between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., though some stay open later on weekends.

To find the Arc Thrift Store nearest you, visit The Arc's national website and use their store locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for stores in your area. If you do not find a store nearby, you can contact your local Arc chapter directly—they may run other programs or know about donation options even if they do not operate a thrift store.

Because each store is run independently, calling ahead before your first visit is worth the time. Staff can tell you what they currently have in stock, whether they are running a sale, and what donations they accept.

Payment Methods and Return Policies

Arc Thrift Stores accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards at checkout. Some locations also accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, though this varies by store. Ask at the register if you are unsure whether your payment method will work.

Return and exchange policies differ by Arc chapter. Most stores allow returns or exchanges within 7 to 14 days if you have your receipt and the item is unworn and in the same condition you bought it. Clothing with tags still attached is easier to return than worn items. Call your local store to confirm their specific policy before you buy, especially if you are purchasing a higher-priced item like furniture.

Arc Thrift Stores do not offer refunds on items bought as-is or on final-sale merchandise, which is usually marked at checkout. Always ask whether an item is final-sale before you pay.

How Arc Uses Money from Store Sales

Revenue from Arc Thrift Stores funds programs run by the local Arc chapter in your community. These programs typically include job training and placement services for people with disabilities, day programs, residential support, family counseling, and advocacy. The specific programs vary by chapter, so the money you spend at one Arc Thrift Store may support different services than money spent at another.

You can learn what programs your local Arc chapter runs by visiting their website or calling the store. Many chapters publish annual reports that show how they use donations and revenue. If you want your money to support a specific program, you can ask staff which programs benefit most from thrift store sales, or donate directly to the chapter instead of shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return clothes I bought if I change my mind?

Most Arc Thrift Stores allow returns within 7 to 14 days if you have your receipt and the item is unworn with tags attached. Policies vary by location, so call your store to confirm their timeframe and whether worn items can be returned. Final-sale items cannot be returned.

Do Arc Thrift Stores accept donations of broken electronics?

No. Arc Thrift Stores only accept electronics that work. Broken items, even if they could be repaired, are not taken because the store needs to resell them as-is. Some communities have separate e-waste recycling programs if you need to dispose of broken electronics.

Is shopping at Arc Thrift Stores more expensive than Goodwill?

Generally yes, though the difference is small. Arc prices are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than Goodwill or Salvation Army because Arc is a smaller nonprofit with fewer locations. However, Arc runs sales and discounts, so timing your visit around a sale can close the gap.

What happens to donations that don't sell?

Items that do not sell within a certain period are usually marked down further or donated to other nonprofits. Some Arc chapters partner with textile recyclers for clothing that cannot be sold. Ask your local store what happens to unsold donations if you want to know the full cycle.

Can I get a tax deduction for donating to Arc Thrift Stores?

Yes, donations are tax-deductible because The Arc is a registered nonprofit. You do not receive a receipt from the store, so keep your own list of items and their estimated fair market value. The IRS provides valuation guides online to help you estimate what used items are worth for tax purposes.