As fall approaches, college students are now looking for new fall clothing to switch up from their summer attire, aiming to find clothing like sweaters and jackets, but also accessories like beanies and scarves.
Due to Columbia being a major college town, various thrifting stores and markets are prevalent in the area, providing a variety of styles and accessories to purchase. Here are some of the best vendors and shops to discover styles that match you!
Located on 4423 Devine St, owner Darion Martin began the brand in various cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte. He eventually expanded out of the state, opening the first South Carolina location in Columbia in April 2024. Martin's slogan and meaning behind Be Your Own Person is "a message embracing individuality from birth until death," emphasizing originality and creativity.
Martin aims to bring a different and unique level of creativity to the Columbia area and vintage wear. It is not common for thrift stores to be able to create customized clothing while also selling thrifted items, but Be Your Own Person does just that. The store offers accessories for customers like t-shirts and tote bags, and thrifted items like jeans, hoodies and various vintage style hats.
Located on 275 Harbison Blvd, Clothes Mentor is a national franchise with an abundance of feminine attire to offer both online and at the Columbia location, as well as neighboring stores in South Carolina.
The store offers gently-used designer and brand-name clothing, shoes and accessories. Examples of brands students can find in the store include Lululemon, Banana Republic and even designers such as Gucci and Burberry . Customers can also bring in secondhand clothing in exchange for cash, promoting eco-friendliness and recyclable fashion.
Being located in The Vista on 929 Gervais St, the shop's accessibility to USC's campus make it a good candidate for student shoppers. Old Skool Outfitters opened its Columbia location on Aug. 24, 2024 , offering a wide variety of quality jackets, jeans and T-shirts.
Although prices tend to be slightly more expensive than at other stores on this list, Old Skool Outfitters take pride on being as eco-friendly as possible, wanting to decrease carbon footprint while bringing back the trend reducing and recycling fashion.
Ageless Vintage has its next vintage market on Sept. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. at 600 Canalside St. It is a vendor that sells quality, secondhand thrifted clothes and sneaker brands, such as Jordan, New Balance and Crocs,
It specializes in selling throwback sports jerseys, sweaters and name-brands such as Stussy. Ageless Vintage also hosts vintage markets with vendors all across South Carolina and North Carolina, bringing many communities together.
Overall, the Columbia area offers ample opportunities for students to shop for fall from a variety of vendors, both at storefronts and vintage events.