Why Arc’s Value Village?
Listen here to our Villagers’ stories. In 2021 Arc’s Value Village created a very special Villager Pop-Up Shop Series featuring people from our community who love Arc’s Value Village for all the right reasons. Whether it’s the mission, the eco-friendly aspect, the great price, or the best selection of good treasures, we all love Arc’s Value Village and the dollars raised provide vital funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through The Arc Minnesota. It takes a Village and together we can all succeed! Thank you for your support.
321 Embrace Your Style!
The date 3.21 signifies the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome in people with Down syndrome. At Arc’s Value Village we celebrate the unique individuality in all people. Embrace Your Style!
What’s in a name?
Is it ARC or Arc? “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet). Here is a brief overview of our name and how we came to be:
In 1955 the Minnesota Association for Retarded Children (ARC) incorporates to coordinate local, state, regional and national initiatives and provide leadership in government affairs. ARC members work hard to pass laws that mandate special education for educable students, provide funding for teacher training, establish day activity center services, fund prenatal care services for high risk women, and support research into the causes of mental retardation.
In 1982 Arc’s Value Village Thrift Store opens in Richfield to provide funding for ARC.
In 1990, ARC stops using the name “Association for Retarded Citizens” out of concern about the label “retarded” and changes the name from ARC to Arc. The Arc is now used as a noun and not as an acronym. Cambridge defines it as “the shape of part of a circle, or other curved line”. Welcome to our circle!
For more about The Arc Minnesota and historical timeline, click here:
Voted Best Thrift Store 2023
Thank you, Villages, for voting Arc’s Value Village the GOLD honor for Best Thrift Store in the Star Tribune poll! We work very hard to provide you with the best thrifting experience possible, and together we make positive change in our community through The Arc Minnesota. We are grateful for you! All are welcome here, see you soon!
Social Responsibility Champion
Arc’s Value Village is honored to accept Minnesota Retailers Association Retailer Champion Award for Social Responsibility! We work hard every day to serve this community. Our goal is a great shopping experience and every day when we open our doors, we give back. For more than 37 years, thanks to shoppers, donors and volunteers, Arc’s Value Village has helped make life better for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.The Arc is a nonprofit organization and as Arc’s Value Village grows, so does our community impact. Our stores provide funding for The Arc Minnesota’s programs that help adults and children with disabilities and our community and we’ve provided over $26 million since we opened in 1982. Our stores are clean, cheerful and well-organized. Our helpful staff is trained to give you the best possible service. At any of our three Arc’s Value Village stores, you’ll find everyday needs as well as treasures and collectibles. With 20,000 items arriving daily, we constantly rotate our stock to ensure a great selection every time you shop.
The Arc Minnesota
Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores provide a significant source of funding to The Arc Minnesota. Learn more about The Arc Minnesota.
