Some iconic Columbia businesses closed in 2019. But some cool new ones arrived
Columbia and the Midlands lost some of their most venerable businesses in 2019 — some that had operated for decades, even centuries. But many more arrived to take their places.
Here’s the list of openings and closings
Openings
barre3: The gym, yoga studio and nail salon opened a new location at 3006 Devine St.
Central Energy: Downtown Church renovated the former Central Energy Facility at BullStreet into a combination church, catering facility and event venue.
City Roots: The urban farm in Rosewood converted into the state’s largest hemp greenhouse.
Charlotte CBD: Billed as the first CBD “dispensary” in Columbia, the store opened at 610 Harden St. in Five Points.
GreenWise: The first specialty Publix market in the Columbia area opened at Lexington Marketplace on Sunset Boulevard.
Holiday Inn: The new hotel in a renovated office building at 1223 Washington St. opened this month.
Home2Suites and Hilton Garden: The dual hotels at 1615 Gervais St. opened in September. The old Clarion Townhouse hotel was renovated and expanded to form the two new hotels.
Infusion 420: The CBD store opened on Gervais Street in the Vista in January.
Lidl: The European grocery store opened on Summit Parkway near Ridgeview High School.
Palmetto Seafood Market: The market reopened on Gervais Street after the tragic death of the owners’ son.
Palmetto Yoga: The studio, which targets golfers and tennis players, opened at Sparkleberry Crossing.
Spotlight Cinema: Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia opened the eight-screen theater near Columbia Place Mall.
Taboo: The controversial adult store on Devine Street closed after a long battle with the city of Columbia.
The CBD Store: The newest in a string of locations which started in Augusta, Ga., opened a store in Lexington.
The SC Riot Room: The “rage room” — which gives customers a chance to smash things up with sledgehammers and other weapons — opened in West Columbia.
Value City Furniture: The store opened in the former site of Toys R Us near Columbiana Centre mall.
Closings
Catitude Cat Cafe: The pet cafe closed on West Columbia’s State Street
Charming Charlie: The national retailer closed its Columbia store after the company declared bankruptcy.
Consumers Feed and Seed: The first feed and seed store in Lexington closed after 61 years.
Cover 3: The late night college bar in Five Points closed as part of state Sen. Dick Harpootlian’s crusade against bars that he says flaunts state liquor laws.
Conquest Brewing Company: Columbia’s first craft brewery closed in July.
Gwen Rawls Italian Shoe Boutique: The store in Trenholm Plaza closed in February.
Horseshoe: Another Five Points bar closed as part of Harpootlian’s efforts.
International Wigs: The final wig shop on Main Street closed in August.
Jewelry Warehouse: The landmark Midlands business closed after 50 years.
Kmart: The big-box chain announced it would close its two Lexington County stores at the end of 2019.
Moe Levy’s: The iconic Assembly Street store closed after 99 years.
Portfolio Art Gallery: The gallery at Devine Street and Saluda Avenue in Five Points closed after 39 years.
Pecknell Music: The decades-old business moved from Five Points to Lexington.
The Backpacker: The Columbia outdoor gear store closed after 45 years.
The South Carolina Shop: The showroom on Rosewood Drive selling Gamecock gear has closed. However owner Chip Prezioso, a friend of Steve Spurrier, is continuing his online business, Palmetto Promotions.
Thirsty Parrot: Another college bar in Five Points closed as part of Harpootlian’s crusade.
Walmart Neighborhood Market: The store at 3603 Broad River Road closed.
Youngs True Value Hardware: The store, which had been a fixture on Two Notch Road for 49 years, closed in July.
This story was originally published December 26, 2019 at 5:30 AM.