Thrift finds and consignment gems await — 5 spots for a deal in the Midlands

Thrifting and consignment have exploded as buyers long for affordable goods made to last, and the Columbia area is no exception.

Jay White, co-owner of consignment store The Warehouse, says people are also drawn to the history behind thrifted pieces.

“I think people love having things in their home, or their office, or garden, wherever, that has a story behind it,” White said. “There are things that connect us — and who would think it would be furniture or home accessories — but they can when they have a story.”

Just like sifting through the racks to find a hidden gem, it might take a second to find the shop that best fits your needs. Check out the offerings at these Midlands spots for discounts on unique clothes, furniture and more:

The Warehouse

Nestled in a nondescript building in West Columbia’s River District, The Warehouse is many things — a consignment shop, art market and self-described “rabbit hole” — but never boring.

Specializing in unique vintage furniture and decor, this shop is best for those looking for high-quality home pieces and advice from experienced staff, though there are select clothing and accessories available. The Warehouse also partners with more than 100 local artists to keep its collection of paintings, sculptures and candles going.

The interior itself is crafted out of salvaged wood from a 100-year-old barn in North Carolina, refurbished and decorated over time by co-owners White and Meaghan Singleton, giving the metal warehouse a cozier feel.

White was inspired by his experience having to sell his parents’ belongings when they moved into assisted living, and believes that consignment stores can give a second life to well-loved items.

“We had to liquidate all of their treasures that they had had their whole life, and so I felt like that there needed to be some place where people can find new homes for things that they loved, or their family loved,” he said. “I feel like we’re providing a service to the community in that way.”

If you’re downsizing or looking to offload some extra furniture, The Warehouse takes consignment requests using this digital form. You’ll get 60% of the profit on any piece of yours sold, while the store keeps the rest.

The shop has reduced hours during the summer, opening 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The shop’s sister store, Garden and Relic, is located just next door and sells vintage garden items and architectural salvage for those looking to liven up their outdoor space. It is open every day but Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Sunday when it closes at 4 p.m.

The Warehouse can be found at 312 State St. You can find more information or contact the shop by visiting their website.

Thrift Avenue

Thrift Avenue is a store jam-packed with decor, collectibles and vintage clothing for a low price, and carries a lot of heart.

Proceeds from purchases at Thrift Avenue go directly to PETSinc’s local adoption center and low-cost veterinary services, and all items are collected via donation. Nevertheless, the store has some great finds, including cost-effective children’s toys and small electronics.

Clean, functional items can be dropped off during store hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Thrift Avenue can be found at 300 Orchard Dr., West Columbia.

Please visit their website for more information.

Sid & Nancy and Revente

This alternative consignment shop has been living up to its namesakes since 2007, collecting secondhand alternative fashion for men and women.

Located downtown in the Five Points district, Sid & Nancy is a natural addition to this list and a particular favorite of college students in the area.

Whether you’re looking for a concert outfit to rock out in, or are looking for something edgier to spice up your wardrobe, this store has a diverse and affordable selection, with most items falling within the $10 to $30 range.

The store also offers cash or store credit in exchange for trendy, seasonal pieces, potentially knocking prices down even further.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day but Sunday, when doors open at noon. Sid & Nancy can be found at 733 Saluda Ave.

You can find more information or shop online by visiting the Sid & Nancy website.

If you didn’t get all you wanted at Sid & Nancy, located just next-door is its slightly swankier sister store, Revente.

If your taste and your pocketbook are a bit mismatched, this shop offers vibrant secondhand designer and luxury items at a more affordable price. Price tags largely range from $30 to $200, but keep an eye on Revente’s website for the latest sales.

Customers can shop online or in-store, where new items are brought to the floor daily – staff even occasionally travel to New York City to discover new finds.

The store, located at 737 Saluda Ave., is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays noon to 6 p.m.

If you have designer or high-end items that no longer get worn, Revente provides 40% of the listed price for sold items and are mainly looking for designer and popular labels sizes 0 through 26.

Visit their consignment page for a detailed breakdown of what to expect.

Harlem’s Closet

Calling all sneakerheads, this one is for you.

Harlem’s Closet, tucked away on the corner of Gervais and Huger, is a haven for Air Jordans, Nike Dunks and Yeezys of all sizes and colors. The shop also boasts a smaller, eclectic selection of streetwear pieces.

Whether you’re looking for a gift for a sneaker fanatic or want to add to your collection, Harlem’s Closet also has expert employees who can help you make a final call.

While some of the rarest styles can range over $500, many of the shoes are available at the $30 to $70 price range, a steal for many quality vintage kicks. Vintage “Chameleon” Air Jordan 6s that can go for over $300 on eBay or Amazon are listed for less than $40 at this downtown spot.

You can visit their storefront at 514 Gervais St., Suite B in Columbia or shop online at their website.

The store is open from noon to 7 p.m. every day but Monday. Hours for trading in or selling your own pieces are the same, please contact Harlem’s Closet via their website for specifics.