North End thrift store closing due to theft, rising costs
D’arcy’s ARC Thrift Store has been a Main Street mainstay for the past 16 years, but the writing is on the wall – the second-hand store is shutting its doors in December.
The shop, located in a strip mall between Alfred and Aberdeen Avenues, sells everything from clothing and housewares to pet supplies and board games.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Winnipeg newsletters
Proceeds from the thrift store help cover animal-related costs and other expenses at D’arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre (ARC), a non-profit animal shelter on Century Street.
A sign posted in the store’s window attributes the closure to “rising costs, increased retail theft, and concerns for staff and customers.”
“It’s not uncommon now to have knives and syringes pulled on [staff] on a weekly basis,” owner D’arcy Johnston told CTV News. “There’s been an assault there and it’s getting to the point where, you know, it’s over $2 shirts. I just don’t know what else I can do to make things better there.”
Johnston said he opted to not renew the lease due to a myriad of issues and the last day of operation is slated for December 21.
Johnston opened the thrift store in 2008 following the success of yard sales held at the shelter. He said the fundraisers were quite successful.
“I thought to myself, ‘How could we do this on a permanent basis?’’ Johnston recalled. “So we opened up.. and it took off like crazy.”
Items sold at the thrift store are donated by the public and priced to remain affordable. Johnston said the closure will leave a gap in the area for people looking for cheap, gently-used products.
“It’s tough to see, and I think it’s going to have a big impact on that community,” Johnston said. “I’ve been there for 30 years and I know the neighbourhood and I know a lot of people that shop at the store.”
Johnston said D’Arcy’s ARC doesn’t receive any government funding, so the thrift store’s shutdown could also impact the animal shelter’s bottom line.
“It’s a significant amount of money that comes back to the charity,” he explained. “I have to think of ways where I’m going find X amount of dollars to come back for the 2025 budget.”
Johnston noted the organization operates another second-hand store called Annie’s Attic Thrift Shop and Cat Café further down Main Street. He said there are no plans to shut down that location.
Anyone interested in donating clothing or other items can drop them off at Annie’s Attic (1560 Main Street).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It really hurts': The impact of Trump's lies in Springfield, Ohio
Springfield, Ohio was once a manufacturing hub. Now, people know it for Trump's comments at September's presidential debate, when he famously - and falsely - told an audience of 67 million people that Haitians eat their pets, echoing claims that had circulated on social media.
Iran's supreme leader threatens Israel, U.S. with 'a crushing response' over Israeli attack
Iran's supreme leader on Saturday threatened Israel and the U.S. with 'a crushing response' over attacks on Iran and its allies.
Auto theft probe leads to arrest of 59 suspects, recovery of more than 300 stolen vehicles: Toronto police
Toronto police say 59 suspects are facing a total of 300 charges in connection with an auto theft and re-vinning probe.
Ont. woman posed as registered nurse in Simcoe County for 4 years: OPP
An Ontario woman is facing serious charges after police allege she pretended to be a registered nurse at several Simcoe County facilities, despite being unqualified.
B.C. mayor's 'luxury' trip to Dubai climate conference was against ethics rules: commissioner
New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone's all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai for a climate conference last December violated the city's Code of Conduct for Council Members and the Community Charter, the city's ethics commissioner has ruled.
At-home brain stimulation relieves symptoms of depression, study finds
A headset worn at home that zaps the brain with the energy of a 9-volt battery could help relieve symptoms of depression, a new study shows.
WATCH 'It's mind-boggling': Drought reveals U.S. town submerged in the 1940s
Hundreds of people are flocking to see a rare site in Pennsylvania: remnants of a historic town that is usually underwater.
Eva Longoria is still making money off of 'John Wick'
In an interview with Business Insider, Longoria talked about investing in the 2014 hit movie after the budget fell short before filming began.
Democrats Abroad Canada warns U.S. voters to take action ahead of possible Canada Post strike
Democrats Abroad Canada is warning Americans that a potential postal workers strike this weekend could affect the ability to vote in next week's election.