2ndACTS Resale Store: Where to Shop and What to Expect

What 2ndACTS Is and Where to Find It

2ndACTS Resale Store is a nonprofit thrift shop in Charleston that sells gently used clothing, furniture, books, and household goods. The store operates as a fundraiser for 2ndACTS, a Charleston-based theater company, so your purchases directly support local performing arts. The store is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, making it accessible by foot or car in the heart of the city's shopping district.

The store's inventory changes regularly because it relies on donations. You might find vintage dresses one week and mid-century furniture the next. Because stock rotates constantly, regular shoppers often discover new items on repeat visits. The store is open during standard retail hours, though you should check their current schedule before heading over, as nonprofit hours can shift seasonally.

Key Takeaways

• 2ndACTS Resale Store is run by a local Charleston theater company, so your purchases support performing arts in the community.
• The store carries clothing, furniture, books, and household items at thrift prices, with inventory that changes as donations arrive.
• Located on King Street in downtown Charleston, the store is within walking distance of other shops and restaurants.
• Prices are significantly lower than retail, and the store often runs sales or promotions for regular shoppers.

What You'll Find and Price Range

Clothing makes up a large portion of the inventory—everything from everyday wear to formal pieces and vintage finds. You'll see men's, women's, and children's clothing mixed together, so browsing takes time but can yield unexpected treasures. Prices typically run $3 to $15 for most clothing items, though special or designer pieces may cost more.

Furniture and home goods occupy the back and sides of the store. Dressers, tables, lamps, and decorative items rotate through regularly. These pieces are usually priced between $10 and $100 depending on condition and size. The book section is small but curated, with fiction and nonfiction mixed together at $1 to $5 per book. Seasonal items—holiday decorations, winter coats—appear and disappear based on what's donated.

How Donations Work and What Gets Accepted

2ndACTS accepts donations from the community, which is how the store stays stocked. If you have items to donate, you can drop them off during store hours. The store generally accepts clothing in good condition, furniture that's clean and functional, books, and household goods. Items should be clean and in working order—the store cannot take broken appliances, stained furniture, or damaged clothing.

Donations are tax-deductible, and the store can provide a receipt. If you're donating large furniture pieces, call ahead to confirm they have space and can accept what you're bringing. Seasonal donations—like winter coats in fall or holiday decorations in October—are especially welcome and move quickly.

Shopping Tips for the Best Experience

Visit early in the week if you want the freshest selection, since new donations are processed and shelved regularly. The store can get crowded on weekends, particularly during tourist season. Bring cash or a card—the store accepts both—and wear comfortable shoes because browsing takes time and the aisles are narrow.

Check the clothing racks thoroughly; items are organized by type but not always by size, so you may need to flip through several hangers. Furniture and home goods are displayed as space allows, so larger pieces may be stacked or leaning against walls. Ask a staff member if you can't find something specific; they often know what's in the back or when certain items typically arrive.

Supporting the Theater Company Through Your Purchase

Every dollar spent at 2ndACTS Resale Store goes back to 2ndACTS theater company, which produces plays and musicals in Charleston. The company stages productions throughout the year at various venues around the city. By shopping here instead of a chain thrift store, you're funding local theater and the artists who perform in it.

If you're interested in theater itself, 2ndACTS sometimes holds performances at nearby venues, and staff can point you toward upcoming shows. The connection between the store and the company is direct—this isn't a distant nonprofit; it's a working arts organization you can see perform.

Parking and Getting There

The store sits on King Street, which has metered street parking and nearby paid lots. Street parking can be tight during peak hours, so arriving mid-morning or mid-week makes parking easier. If you're using public transit, CARTA buses run along King Street, and the store is walkable from downtown hotels and restaurants.

The storefront is easy to spot among other King Street shops. If you're driving from outside downtown, GPS will get you to the address, but plan for parking time. The area is pedestrian-friendly, so if you're shopping nearby anyway, 2ndACTS is worth a stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept donations of furniture?

Yes, as long as the furniture is clean, functional, and in good condition. Large pieces like dressers, tables, and couches are welcome. Call ahead if you're donating something large so staff can confirm they have space. Broken or heavily stained furniture cannot be accepted.

What are your hours?

Hours vary by season and day of the week. Check the store's website or call before visiting to confirm current hours, especially if you're planning a trip during holidays or weekends when hours may change.

Can I return something I bought?

Return policies vary at thrift stores. Ask staff about their specific return or exchange policy when you purchase. Most thrift stores have limited return windows since items are sold as-is, but the staff can explain what options are available.

Is everything in the store donated?

Yes, all inventory comes from community donations. This means selection changes constantly and you may never see the exact same item twice. It also means prices are lower than retail because there's no wholesale cost.

Where does the money from sales go?

All proceeds support 2ndACTS theater company's productions and programming in Charleston. The company uses the funds to pay performers, rent venues, build sets, and bring theater to the community year-round.