Best Of CLE: Margie's Closet's Transgender Thrift Store

In addition to having dressing rooms designed specifically for members of the trans community, transgender individuals can shop for free through a voucher program.

by Ilona Westfall | Sep. 28, 2021 | 11:00 AM

Karin McKenna

Karin McKenna

It may look like a typical thrift store, but Margie’s Closet has a mission.

Anyone is welcome to shop for gently used and new heels, suits, tees and ties, but the point of the store is to ensure transgender, gender expansive and nonbinary people have access to affordable clothes in a welcoming environment.

“Being able to go into a store that has a dressing room made specifically for folks within the trans community is so important,” says founder Jacob Nash. “You know for sure you’re in a safe space because there’s trans flags all around and our name tags have our pronouns on them.”

Transgender individuals can shop for free through a voucher program, and salespeople are happy to help with measurements and style advice.

“It is the first shop of its kind in Ohio and only one of a few in the country,” says Nash. 1384 W. 117 St., Lakewood, 330-240-1600, margieshope.org

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