Coplon’s hosts sale following flood damage

A popular Forest Acres clothing store damaged during the Oct. 4 floods received a warm welcome back during a special sale Friday.

The “Thousand Year Flash Sale” premiered Friday and will continue through Nov. 8 at the store’s temporary location at 1350 Main St.

One of Coplon’s owners, Sherri Greenberg, said though she knew the sale would be big, she did not expect to see a line down the block at 9 a.m. Thursday, two hours before the store opened.

Several designers donated samples and new merchandise after hearing about the damage the store sustained. Shipments will continue to come in throughout the sale.

Greenberg said a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross of Central South Carolina.

Columbia resident Carmen Jordan said she had an internship at Coplon’s when she attended the University of South Carolina 11 years ago. She said she wanted to find good deals on designer items while also helping.

“A lot of the proceeds are going back to benefit victims of the flood, and I wanted to give back,” she said. “And I love fashion, so I just came out.”

Columbia resident Annie Thibault was one of several people who waited in line for a chance to snag deals. She said owner Bruce Greenberg is a big supporter of the Center for Colon Cancer Research, where she works, so she wanted to show her support.

“He is such a wonderful man,” Thibault said. Bruce Greenberg and his family “are such great supporters of this community. That alone is enough to be here today, but also ... his choice in fashion is exquisite.”

Sherri Greenberg said her family will rebuild at the original location in Forest Lake Shopping Center, 4825 Forest Drive, though renovations are going slowly and the store will not be open before Christmas. The Greenbergs also opened another temporary location in Trenholm Plaza.

“It really is amazing, the people who come to shop and friends that have been with us this whole process and came to our aid,” she said.

This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 11:02 PM with the headline "Coplon’s hosts sale following flood damage."