When one door closes, another door opens

Two weeks ago, we announced the YWCA Board of Directors' decision to expand YWCA Past & Present Gently Used Clothing Store and close the store’s in-house coffee shop, YWCA Perkin’ Up – both located at 1598 Lee Street East on Charleston’s East End. The decision was made after the Board and Finance Committee reviewed a comprehensive business analysis of both stores, conducted over the past 12 months by a University of Charleston Executive MBA class. Read the full announcement here.

YWCA Perkin’ Up Coffee Shop’s last official day of operation will be Saturday, December 12, after which we will immediately begin efforts to remodel the space to accommodate Past & Present’s growing inventory of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories. As a gesture of gratuity to our customers, we will continue to keep a fresh pot of coffee on hand for anyone in need of a cup of joe.

Since the announcement, we have received a few emails and letters from loyal Perkin' Up customers who are saddened by the news - and we understand their disappointment. We also see this as a fantastic opportunity to thank our customers for their loyalty and support, as well as remind everyone of the YWCA's mission and the purpose of our stores: to generate much-needed revenue for the YWCA Alicia McCormick Homes, which provide transitional housing apartments for battered and homeless women and their children as they transition to self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

We are excited about the valuable new floor space available to expand YWCA Past & Present and better meet the needs of women and families in our community. Thanks for your support during this transition!