Bost Hostess Thrift Shop: Discounted Snacks and Baked Goods in Columbia

What you'll find at Bost Hostess Thrift Shop

Bost Hostess Thrift Shop sells surplus and closeout snacks, baked goods, and packaged foods at steep discounts—often 30 to 50 percent below retail prices. The inventory changes constantly because the shop receives overstock from Hostess and other manufacturers. You might find name-brand cupcakes, donuts, bread, and crackers one week and different items the next.

The shop is located in Columbia and operates as a direct-to-consumer outlet for products that would otherwise go to waste. Because items are closeouts or near their sell-by dates (though still safe to eat), prices stay low. Regular shoppers know to visit often, since popular items sell out quickly.

This is a cash-and-carry operation with limited hours, so planning ahead matters. The shop does not take online orders or hold items, and parking is street-level. Bring bags or boxes if you plan to stock up, since the shop may charge a small fee for bags.

Key Takeaways

• Bost Hostess Thrift Shop sells name-brand snacks and baked goods at discounts of 30 to 50 percent, with inventory that changes weekly based on manufacturer overstock.
• Items are closeouts or approaching their sell-by dates but remain safe to consume and are clearly marked with dates.
• The shop operates on cash only and does not hold items or take advance orders, so arriving early in the day increases your chances of finding what you want.
• You can buy in bulk at thrift-shop prices, making it a budget option for stocking a pantry or buying snacks for events.

Hours, location, and what to bring

The shop operates limited hours—typically Tuesday through Saturday mornings and early afternoons, though hours vary seasonally. Call ahead to confirm the current schedule before making the trip. The address is in central Columbia, accessible by car with street parking available nearby.

Bring cash, as the shop does not accept cards. Bring your own bags or boxes if you plan to buy multiple items; the shop may charge for bags if you need them. If you are buying for a group event or party, arriving early in the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) gives you the best selection before weekend shoppers clear the shelves.

Types of products and pricing

The core inventory includes Hostess branded items: cupcakes, donuts, coffee cakes, and snack cakes. You will also find crackers, cookies, bread products, and occasionally chips or other packaged snacks from various manufacturers. Prices typically range from 50 cents to a few dollars per item, depending on size and type.

Because the shop sells closeouts, you may find seasonal or limited-edition flavors that are no longer in regular stores. Bulk boxes of individual snack packs are common and cost significantly less per unit than buying the same items at a grocery store. The trade-off is that you cannot choose the exact quantity or flavor mix—you buy what is in stock that day.

Who shops here and why

Budget-conscious shoppers, families buying snacks for school or events, and people stocking pantries for emergencies all use Bost Hostess. The shop also draws people who enjoy the hunt for deals and the surprise of what will be in stock. Because prices are so low, bulk purchases make sense for offices, churches, or community groups buying snacks for gatherings.

The shop is not a bakery—it does not bake on-site or take custom orders. It is a clearance outlet, so the experience is more like treasure hunting than traditional retail. If you need a specific item on a specific day, a regular grocery store is more reliable. If you are flexible and enjoy finding deals, this is worth the visit.

Shelf life and food safety

All items are clearly labeled with sell-by or best-by dates. The shop sells products that are approaching these dates but are still well within safe consumption windows. Hostess products, in particular, have long shelf lives due to their preservative content. You can safely buy and store these items for weeks or months after purchase if kept in a cool, dry place.

If you have concerns about a specific product's date, ask staff before purchasing. The shop is transparent about dates and will not sell items that are actually expired or unsafe.

Comparing Bost Hostess to other discount snack options

Bost Hostess differs from grocery store clearance sections because it specializes in one category and offers deeper discounts. It is also different from dollar stores, which carry snacks but at higher per-unit prices. Warehouse clubs like Costco offer bulk snacks at lower per-unit prices but require membership and higher upfront spending.

The main advantage of Bost Hostess is the combination of low price and the ability to buy small quantities without membership. The main limitation is inventory unpredictability and limited hours. For planned, regular snack purchases, a grocery store is more convenient. For occasional bulk buying or budget shopping, Bost Hostess is hard to beat on price.

Tips for getting the most from your visit

Visit early in the week when selection is widest. Bring cash and your own bags. Check dates before buying, even though everything is safe—you may prefer fresher items if the choice is available. Buy items you actually eat or will use; the discount only matters if you consume what you purchase.

If you find an item you love, buy extra that day. Popular products sell out and may not return for weeks. Follow the shop on social media if they post inventory updates, or call ahead to ask what is currently in stock if you are looking for something specific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have fresh baked goods or only packaged snacks?

Bost Hostess sells only packaged, shelf-stable snacks and baked goods—nothing freshly baked on-site. All items are manufactured products from Hostess or other brands, sold at clearance prices because they are overstock or approaching their sell-by dates.

Can I return items if I don't like them?

Return policies vary, so ask at the register when you purchase. Most thrift shops have limited or no return policies because of the clearance nature of the business. Keep your receipt in case you need it.

What payment methods do you accept?

The shop operates on cash only. There is no card processing, so plan accordingly. Bring enough cash for your purchase, or visit an ATM nearby before shopping.

Can I order items in advance or hold something?

No. The shop does not take advance orders or hold items. Inventory changes daily, and items sell out quickly. If you want something specific, arrive early or call to ask if it is currently in stock.

Are the products safe to eat if they are close to the sell-by date?

Yes. Sell-by dates are not expiration dates—they indicate peak freshness, not safety. Hostess products in particular have long shelf lives. All items are clearly dated, and you can store them safely for weeks or months after purchase if kept in a cool, dry place.