Leta's Place: A Thrift Store Supporting Women's Empowerment in Charleston
What Leta's Place is and who runs it
Leta's Place is a thrift store in Charleston operated by the Charleston-based nonprofit organization Dress for Success Charleston. The store sells clothing, shoes, and accessories at thrift prices, with all proceeds funding job training, professional wardrobing, and career coaching for women in the Charleston area who are working toward economic independence.
The store is located at 1314 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. Unlike a typical thrift shop, Leta's Place exists specifically to support its parent organization's mission: helping women build careers and financial stability through professional development and access to interview-ready clothing.
Key Takeaways
- Leta's Place is a thrift store run by Dress for Success Charleston, a nonprofit that helps women enter the workforce and advance their careers.
- The store sells gently used professional clothing, casual wear, shoes, and accessories at thrift prices on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston.
- All money from purchases goes directly to funding job training programs, interview coaching, and professional wardrobes for women in need.
- You can shop for affordable clothing while supporting a local nonprofit's work with women seeking employment and career growth.
What you'll find when you shop there
Leta's Place stocks professional clothing suitable for job interviews and workplace settings—blazers, dress pants, skirts, blouses, and dresses—alongside casual wear, shoes, and accessories. Most items are gently used and priced well below retail. The inventory changes regularly as new donations arrive, so repeat visits often turn up different selections.
The store also carries some new items and gift merchandise. Because the shop supports Dress for Success Charleston's programs, shopping there means your purchase directly funds services like mock interviews, resume workshops, and professional styling sessions for women in the program.
Hours and location
Leta's Place is located at 1314 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403, in the downtown area. Hours vary seasonally and may change, so contacting the store directly or checking Dress for Success Charleston's website before visiting is recommended.
The store is accessible by car with street parking available in the downtown Meeting Street corridor. Public transportation options include CARTA bus routes that serve the downtown area.
How shopping there supports the community
Dress for Success Charleston serves women across the Lowcountry who are rebuilding their lives after job loss, homelessness, incarceration, domestic violence, or other hardship. The organization provides free professional clothing, job coaching, and career mentorship to help women enter stable employment.
When you shop at Leta's Place, your purchase funds these programs directly. The nonprofit does not charge women in its programs for clothing or coaching services, so thrift store revenue is essential to keeping those services free and available. Dress for Success Charleston also operates a donation center where people can drop off gently used professional clothing to be resold or given to program participants.
Donating clothing to Leta's Place
If you have professional clothing, casual wear, shoes, or accessories in good condition that you no longer wear, you can donate them to support the organization's work. Donations can be dropped off at Leta's Place during store hours or at Dress for Success Charleston's main office location.
The organization prioritizes professional items—blazers, dress pants, skirts, blouses, cardigans, and closed-toe shoes suitable for work—but also accepts casual clothing in good condition. Items should be clean, undamaged, and free of stains or tears. Contact Dress for Success Charleston directly to confirm what types of donations they are currently accepting.
Volunteering with Dress for Success Charleston
Beyond shopping and donating, you can volunteer with Dress for Success Charleston in several ways. The organization needs help at Leta's Place sorting, pricing, and selling merchandise, as well as volunteers to assist with job coaching, mock interviews, and professional styling sessions for women in the program.
Volunteer roles vary in time commitment and skill level. To learn about current volunteer opportunities, visit Dress for Success Charleston's website or contact the organization directly. Many volunteers work regular shifts at the thrift store, while others contribute specialized skills like resume writing or interview coaching on a flexible schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return or exchange items I buy at Leta's Place?
Return and exchange policies vary, so ask the staff at the store when you make your purchase. Most thrift stores have limited return windows and may require items to be unworn with tags attached. Keep your receipt and ask about the specific policy before leaving the store.
What types of donations does Dress for Success Charleston accept?
The organization prioritizes professional clothing like blazers, dress pants, skirts, and work-appropriate blouses, but also accepts casual wear, shoes, and accessories in good condition. Items should be clean and undamaged. Contact them directly to confirm current donation needs, as priorities may shift based on program demand.
Does Dress for Success Charleston serve men, or only women?
Dress for Success Charleston's programs focus on women. The organization's mission centers on supporting women's economic independence and career advancement. If you are seeking similar services for men, contact the organization to ask about referrals to other local nonprofits.
How do I know if I or someone I know can join Dress for Success Charleston's programs?
Dress for Success Charleston serves women in the Charleston area who are seeking employment or career advancement. To learn about program requirements and how to connect with the organization, visit their website or call directly. Staff can discuss whether the program is a fit for your situation.