Where to Find Affordable Clothing and Accessories in South Carolina

South Carolina stores and programs that sell quality clothes at lower prices

Finding affordable apparel in South Carolina means knowing where to look beyond regular retail prices. Thrift stores, discount chains, outlet malls, and community resale shops across the state carry clothing and accessories at a fraction of what you'd pay new. Many towns have multiple options, and some programs specifically help people who need work clothes or professional attire on a tight budget.

The most reliable places to start are Goodwill locations (found in most South Carolina cities), Salvation Army Family Stores, and local consignment shops. These carry everything from everyday wear to formal clothing. If you're near an outlet mall—Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach and North Charleston both have anchor stores and brand outlets—you can find name-brand items at 30 to 50 percent off regular prices. For the deepest discounts, check out stores like Walmart, Target, and Marshalls, which carry their own affordable lines alongside discounted overstock.

Key Takeaways

• Goodwill and Salvation Army locations throughout South Carolina carry used clothing and accessories at low prices, with new inventory arriving regularly.
• Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach and North Charleston offer brand-name apparel at outlet prices year-round, plus seasonal clearance sales.
• Local consignment and resale shops in most towns carry gently used professional clothing, which is useful if you need work attire without the cost.
• Some nonprofits and workforce programs in South Carolina provide free or low-cost professional clothing to people preparing for employment.

Thrift stores and resale shops across South Carolina

Goodwill has locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg, and dozens of smaller towns. Prices typically range from $2 to $8 for shirts and pants, with seasonal sales dropping prices further. New donations arrive daily, so the inventory changes constantly—visiting regularly increases your chances of finding what you need. Goodwill also runs job training programs in some locations, and their stores sometimes have fitting rooms where you can try things on before buying.

Salvation Army Family Stores operate similarly across the state, with locations in major cities and many smaller communities. Their pricing is comparable to Goodwill, and they also accept donations, meaning fresh stock arrives regularly. Both organizations price items to move, so you're not paying for brand names or condition—you're paying for the garment itself.

Local consignment shops, found in most towns with populations over 10,000, specialize in gently used clothing and often carry professional wear, vintage pieces, and higher-end brands at a fraction of retail. These shops typically pay commission on items they sell, so the inventory skews toward better condition and more curated selections than general thrift stores. Search online for "[your town] consignment" to find what's nearby.

Outlet malls and discount retailers

Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach (Highway 17 North) and North Charleston (I-26 at Dorchester Road) both carry outlet locations for major brands including Gap, Old Navy, Nike, Adidas, Coach, and others. Prices are typically 30 to 50 percent below regular retail, and both malls run clearance sales several times a year. Myrtle Beach's location is larger and draws more traffic, so inventory turns faster; North Charleston's is closer to the Lowcountry and Charleston.

Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross Dress for Less all operate in South Carolina and carry overstock and off-season items from major brands at 20 to 60 percent off. These stores don't have a fixed inventory—what you find depends on what manufacturers and retailers have sent to the warehouse that week. Walmart and Target both carry their own affordable apparel lines (Walmart's George brand, Target's Cat & Jack for kids) alongside name brands, with prices starting under $10 for basics.

Department store clearance sections—Belk has locations throughout South Carolina—often have deeply discounted seasonal items, especially at the end of winter and summer. Sign up for their rewards programs to get additional discounts and early notice of sales.

Online options and shipping to South Carolina

If you prefer shopping from home or can't reach a physical store, several online retailers ship to South Carolina with affordable pricing. Shein, H&M, Old Navy, and Target all offer low-priced basics and trendy pieces with free or low-cost shipping on orders over a certain amount. Amazon also carries affordable apparel from various brands, and Prime members get free two-day shipping.

Poshmark and Depop are mobile apps where individuals sell used clothing, often at prices lower than thrift stores because there's no middleman. You pay through the app, and the seller ships directly to you. Vinted operates similarly and has a growing user base in the Southeast. These platforms work best if you know what size and style you want, since you're browsing individual listings rather than walking a store floor.

Nonprofit programs that provide free or low-cost work clothes

Several South Carolina nonprofits and workforce programs help people obtain professional clothing for job interviews and work. Dress for Success has chapters in Charleston and Columbia that provide free professional outfits (typically a suit or blazer and pants or skirt) to women preparing for employment or interviews. You visit in person, work with a volunteer stylist, and leave with a complete outfit tailored to your industry and body type.

Many local workforce development boards and American Job Centers (run through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce) have connections to clothing donation programs or can point you toward local nonprofits that help. Call your county's American Job Center or search "American Job Center near me" to find the one closest to you. Some also run job readiness programs that include professional clothing as part of the package.

Salvation Army and Goodwill both donate clothing to people in their job training programs, and some locations have special pricing for people receiving services. Ask at the store or call ahead to ask whether your situation qualifies.

Shopping tips to stretch your budget further

Visit thrift stores on their discount days—many Goodwill locations have color-tag sales where a specific color of tag is half off, rotating weekly. Salvation Army often runs half-price sales on certain days. Check store websites or call ahead to ask about their current sales schedule.

Buy basics in neutral colors (black, white, gray, navy, khaki) that mix and match easily. A few quality basics from a thrift store or discount retailer will go further than trendy pieces you'll wear once. Look for natural fabrics like cotton and linen, which hold up better through multiple washes than synthetics.

If you're buying online, check return policies before ordering. Most retailers allow returns within 30 days, but some discount sites have stricter policies. Read reviews on sizing—many affordable brands run small or large, and knowing this before you order saves shipping costs on returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Goodwill and Salvation Army?

Both are nonprofit thrift stores with similar pricing and inventory. Goodwill's profits fund job training programs; Salvation Army's profits fund social services like shelters and disaster relief. Inventory and pricing vary by location, so check both if you have access to both.

Do outlet malls have fitting rooms?

Yes, most outlet stores have fitting rooms, though some limit the number of items you can take in at once. Bring your own undergarments or wear ones you're comfortable trying clothes over, since not all outlets allow returns of tried-on items.

Can I return clothes bought at thrift stores?

Goodwill and Salvation Army typically do not accept returns on clothing, though policies vary by location. Always inspect items carefully before buying. Some consignment shops accept returns within a few days if the item has a defect, but read their policy at the register.

Are there size-inclusive options at affordable prices?

Thrift stores carry all sizes since they're selling used items from many people. Target, Walmart, and Old Navy all carry extended sizes online and in most stores. Shein and H&M also offer extended sizing, though fit varies by style.

How often should I check thrift stores for new inventory?

Goodwill and Salvation Army receive donations daily, so inventory changes constantly. If you're looking for something specific, visiting once a week gives you a good chance of finding it without spending excessive time shopping.