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4 Places to Shop in Columbia, SC

Looking for the perfect way to commemorate your Columbia trip, or simply in the mood for some good-old fashioned retail therapy? Well, you’re in luck! Columbia is not only home to plenty of Gamecocks gear, it also has a wonderful selection of clothing, home goods, books and records all within a couple blocks. 

With dozens of locally owned shops, multiple shopping districts and a mall with all the latest retailers, it can be difficult to choose which ones to spend your time browsing. 

We’ve narrowed down the four best shops to check out, from all the home goods you’ll need to be the perfect Southern hostess or host at The Gourmet Shop, to indie titles for the bookworm in your life at Odd Bird Books. Check these awesome shops out now. 

1

Five Points of Columbia

Head over to Five Points, Columbia’s “original village neighborhood” for some serious retail therapy. Known as the city’s first shopping district, Five Points was named for the intersection of Devine Street, Harden Street and Santee Avenue. The easily walkable area is jam-packed with locally-owned boutiques, gift shops, eateries and bars – perfect for a casual day browsing around. Before you head out, make sure to snap a few selfies by the famous Postcard Mural overlooking Fountain Plaza.  

Insider Tip

Don’t skip the side streets – you’ll find murals, statues and other public art in unexpected places.

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2

Odd Bird Books

A small but mighty indie bookstore, no Columbia shopping trip is complete without visiting Odd Bird Books. Housed in the historic Arcade building in Downtown Columbia, Odd Bird Books has been delighting locals and visitors alike since opening in 2020. Scan the wall-to-wall shelves where you’ll find a mix of buzzy new releases, unique poetry and well-loved favorites.  

Insider Tip

Grab a coffee nearby and dive into your new read at one of the mall’s convenient café tables.

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3

The Little Green Door

Step into southern charm, personified at The Little Green Door. Thoughtful displays make this home décor store as fun to walk through as it is to leave with bags of goodies. Whether you’re into statement-making antiques or colorful gifts to take back home, The Little Green Door is one of the best places to shop in Columbia.  

Insider Tip

Check their Instagram account for info on unique pop-up events and trunk shows. 

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4

Papa Jazz Record Shoppe

Music lovers know there’s nothing better than getting lost in record stacks. Cola locals know there’s nothing better than Papa Jazz Record Shoppe. Stocking a massive music selection since their original doors opened in 1980, this one-stop record shop is every vinyl fanatic’s dream. From the second you enter under the infamous Papa Jazz cat sign, you’ll enjoy the old-school vibe where you can shop everything from new releases to tried and true classics.  

Insider Tip

Take a minute to study the ever-changing special deals sign next to the front door.

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King sized poster bed

Stay Steps from The Horseshoe

Whether you’re a diehard Gamecock, in town for a game, or simply in search of Columbia’s sweet Southern charm, you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re just steps from The Horseshoe. This solid brick wall wraps partially around the University of South Carolina campus, marking the spot where Columbia ends and Gamecock country begins. 

Graduate Columbia, S.C. sits just steps from where the Gamecocks play and where students and Columbia locals alike flock to experience small town spirit alongside world-class eating, drinking, and shopping. 

 

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