10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Columbia

Devine Street is in east Columbia, close to the funky Five Points district, and a hub for independently owned stores, bars, and restaurants. Known as “Shandon” by those in the know, more than 95% of the outlets here are owned by locals.

Shop for “upscale tailgating” outfits and stylish bow ties at third generation-owned Brittons, a Columbia staple since 1947; feast on Hawaiian sweet bread at the Cinnamon Roll deli, owned by mother-son duo Jody and Richard Kreush; and check out Charleston designer AnnaBelle LaRoque’s creations for women and children at her flagship LaRoque boutique.

Five Points is a funky, independent shopping, restaurant, and nightlife district city centre at the crossroads of Santee Avenue, Harden, and Devine Streets, which connects Gervais and Blossom Street. Home to Columbia’s St. Patrick’s Day festival, and other fun local celebrations, Five Points is also home to the city’s highest density of locally owned businesses, so you’re sure to find unique stores here to shop for gorgeous mementos of your stay.

Packed with public art, snap a selfie at the Postcard Mural, see the stainless steel Hootie and the Blowfish monument, and stand inside the huge 15,000-pound monster brick wheel sculpture from Columbia artist and stoneworker, Jay Hubbell.

The Vista is a regenerated warehouse district along the banks of the Congaree River close to the city centre business district and the University of South Carolina. Once home to textile mills and the railway, this funky area now hosts a vibrant range of artists’ galleries, restaurants and bars, and speciality stores.

You’ll find plenty to keep you busy at the Vista, with excellent one-of-a-kind shopping, delicious places to eat and drink, and special events such as summer outdoor concerts and winter light displays, and late-night shopping.

Trenholm Plaza is a single-level strip mall close to city centre Columbia in Forest Acres with a blend of international retailers, upscale speciality stores, and fun leisure-time outlets. There is plenty of parking at this shopping centre anchored around a large Publix supermarket and a fresh market.

You’ll find big-name stores including Lululemon, Anthropologie, and Sephora at Trenholm Plaza, offering head-to-toe styles from comfortable athleisure looks to red-carpet-ready trendsetting. Enjoy dining on-site, try brunch or breakfast at the Original Pancake House, or stop for a tasty lunch at Chipotle.

Main Street is at the heart of the action in city centre Columbia and home to many of the best shops, markets, and arcades in the city. Every Saturday morning you can join the throngs at the popular Soft drink City Market right on Main Street and buy beautiful hand-crafted creations from local makers.

Explore Main Street to find unique local clothing stores, jewellery boutiques, and gift shops, as well as fragrant florists and the ever-handy Mast General Store for everything you didn’t know you needed!

The Columbiana Centre is a 1-storey shopping centre with more than 100 stores, off Interstate 26/US Route 76 with everything from electronics and homewares to food and fashion. It's anchored by 2 large department stores, the nationally known JCPenney and southern shopping staple, Belk, which has 2 outlets here covering kids, teens, men’s, and women’s fashions.

Roll up your sleeves and make memories at Build-a-Bear, grab a coffee at Starbucks, shop affordable accessories at Claire’s, and find the perfect jeans at Gap.

Spring Valley Antique Mall is around 20 minutes’ drive from city centre Columbia, near the beautiful Sesquicentennial State Park, offering up a treasure trove of antiques and gently loved items. If you love to go antiquing or browsing the racks in thrift stores, then you’re sure to enjoy a visit to Spring Valley.

Check out the ever-changing inventory of retro furniture, funky costume jewellery, vintage glassware, homeware, and more. Chat with the friendly owners and find out about the history of the store’s many treasures.

Village at Sandhill is a single-level mall between Interstate 20 and Interstate 77 with 2 large department stores, a cinema, and a wide range of dining and shopping options. Browse the racks at US department store icon JCPenney and delve into the different departments at southern shopping staple, Belk.

A one-stop-shop for beauty, hair, men’s grooming, and nail salons, you can also take a fitness class, or just stop off at the Village to enjoy lunch or snacks at one of its many tasty outlets.

The Soft drink City Market is a weekly producers-only market on Saturdays that spreads across 4 city blocks from 1300-1600 Main Street come rain or shine. All the vendors at Soft drink City either grow or make their own products so you are guaranteed to find unique, hand-crafted one-of-a-kind treats.

Each week there are some 150 vendors at the market selling everything from delicious street food to hand-crafted jewellery and vintage clothing. Ride the COMET’s Soft drink Cap Connector to the market for just $1; these modern buses are equipped with charging ports, Wi-Fi, and hand sanitiser.

The Arcade Building is a hub for retail in city centre Columbia with entrances on Main Street and Washington Street. Inspired by the arcades of Italy, the Arcade Building dates back to 1912 and it’s been a stylish addition to the city’s shopping scene since then.

Browse local authors and international best sellers at Odd Bird Books, watch Blue Sky create art at his gallery that’s also a working artist’s studio, or sip house-roasted coffee at Indah and pick up a “baby cake” at Ally & Eloise.