Graceful Strides Thrift Store – Changing Lives Through Community, Opportunity, and Affordable Shopping

Shelly Peterson
Jun 2
3 min read

Listen to the Podcast Here: Graceful Strides Thrift Store

What started as a small thrift store along Cloquet Avenue has grown into something much bigger than a place to shop. Today, Graceful Strides Thrift Store serves as a community resource, employment center, donation hub, and nonprofit organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference throughout the Cloquet area.

On December 1, 2025, Graceful Strides Thrift Store officially opened its expanded location at 1309 Avenue C in Cloquet, having outgrown its previous space. The new facility has allowed the organization to create dedicated areas for sorting, pricing, repairing, and displaying merchandise, making the shopping experience more organized and enjoyable for customers.

"We were excited about the opportunity this building provided," explained Store Manager Tina. "I saw the former storage bins that had been used by K-1 Sportswear and immediately knew they would be perfect for organizing and storing sale items."

The larger facility has also created opportunities for future growth. Plans are being explored to expand the Farm & Country Store concept and create a dedicated ReStore-style area featuring building materials, fixtures, and home improvement items.

More Than a Thrift Store

Graceful Strides is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission extends far beyond selling donated goods. The organization provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while offering affordable household goods, furniture, clothing, décor, and everyday essentials to families throughout the region.

Today, the organization employs approximately 20 staff members and serves a variety of populations, including low-income families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Every purchase made at Graceful Strides helps support the organization's broader mission. Excess proceeds are reinvested into programs and services that benefit target populations throughout Carlton County and the surrounding communities.

The store's motto, "Changing Lives One Stride at a Time," reflects its commitment to creating opportunities for independence, dignity, and community connection.

A Treasure Hunt for Every Shopper

One reason shoppers continue to return is the ever-changing inventory. Because items are donated daily, customers never know what unique treasures they might discover.

Visitors can browse:

• Quality clothing for all ages

• Furniture and home décor

• Household goods and kitchenware

• Books, games, and toys

• Seasonal decorations

• Farm and country items

• Collectibles and unique finds

• Vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces

For bargain hunters, DIY enthusiasts, and families looking to stretch their budgets, Graceful Strides offers a shopping experience that combines value with purpose.

Community Donations Make It Possible

The success of Graceful Strides depends heavily on the generosity of local residents and businesses. Community members can support the mission by donating gently used items directly at the Cloquet location or by arranging a pickup through the store.

Donations are accepted during designated drop-off times, and store staff are available to coordinate larger pickups when needed.

Looking ahead, the organization hopes to expand its reach even further by offering select merchandise through online sales, allowing shoppers from outside the region to support the mission while discovering unique finds.

Whether you're searching for affordable necessities, looking for a hidden treasure, or hoping to support a worthy cause, Graceful Strides Thrift Store offers something for everyone.

The next time you're in Cloquet, stop by and see how this local nonprofit is making a difference, one stride at a time.