Arc Thrift Opens Second New Mexico Location in Rio Rancho

Arc Thrift Stores cut the ribbon at 8:30 a.m. on March 12 at 1660 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, bringing its second New Mexico location to Hilltop Plaza, near Defined Fitness, and hiring local staff with developmental disabilities from the start.

Lloyd Lewis, president of Arc Thrift Stores in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, said the organization's reach extends well beyond the sales floor. "We have funded hundreds of millions of dollars for advocacy to help people with developmental disabilities find jobs, housing, medical services and schools," Lewis said. "We're the largest employer people development of disabilities in the southwestern United States, now over 600 wonderful employees."

The opening featured New Mexico employees who are developmentally disabled alongside staff members who traveled from Colorado locations, reflecting the organization's stated mission to employ and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the region.

The chain's expansion into Rio Rancho is personal for Lewis. The business is largely inspired by his son Kennedy, who has Down syndrome.

Inside the Hilltop Plaza store, shoppers will find clothing, furniture, books and more, all priced below original retail cost. Arc Thrift runs recurring discount days throughout the week: 50 percent off select items every Saturday, 50 percent off clothing and shoes for shoppers 55 and older every Tuesday, and a Color Tag Sale every Wednesday, when freshly tagged items marked with one of five colors go on sale for half price.

Before the official ribbon cutting, Arc Thrift held a three-day preview event from March 9 through March 11, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though no discounts applied during that window. The store's first Saturday sale followed on March 14.

Arc Thrift is also actively hiring at the Rio Rancho location, offering both full-time and part-time positions. The organization describes itself as an equal-opportunity employer with a workplace culture built around inclusion. The store can be reached at 1-877-409-7070.