Shopping at Cato: What to Know About the Store and Its Accessories

Cato is a women's fashion retailer with stores across the Southeast, including South Carolina

Cato is a chain of women's clothing and accessories stores based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with locations throughout South Carolina. The store focuses on contemporary fashion for women, with an emphasis on affordable pricing and trend-forward styles. You'll find Cato stores in shopping centers across the state, from Charleston to Greenville to Myrtle Beach.

The store carries clothing in sizes that range to accommodate different body types, along with a dedicated accessories section. Cato's inventory changes seasonally, and the chain regularly runs promotions and clearance sales. If you're shopping for everyday wear, work clothes, or occasion pieces, Cato positions itself as an accessible option for South Carolina shoppers who want current styles without premium price tags.

Key Takeaways

• Cato stores are located in shopping centers across South Carolina and carry women's clothing and accessories at mid-range prices.
• The accessories section includes jewelry, belts, scarves, handbags, and seasonal items that coordinate with clothing in the store.
• Cato runs regular sales and clearance events, so prices vary throughout the year and by location.
• You can shop in-store or online at cato.com, and the website shows inventory and pricing for your nearest location.

What You'll Find in the Accessories Section

Cato's accessories department stocks items meant to complete outfits: jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings), belts in various widths and materials, scarves, handbags, and seasonal pieces like hats and sunglasses. The selection rotates with fashion trends and the calendar—you'll see different inventory in summer than in winter, and holiday-themed accessories appear in their respective seasons.

Handbags range from small crossbody styles to larger totes and satchels, typically priced between $20 and $60. Jewelry tends to be costume or fashion jewelry rather than fine metals or stones, with most pieces under $25. Belts, scarves, and smaller items generally fall in the $10 to $30 range, though sale prices can be lower.

Finding a Cato Store Near You

Cato has multiple locations across South Carolina. Stores are typically located in established shopping centers rather than standalone buildings. Major cities with Cato locations include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Myrtle Beach, though the chain has presence in smaller towns as well.

The easiest way to find your nearest store is to visit cato.com and use the store locator tool. You can enter your zip code or city name and see addresses, phone numbers, and hours for locations near you. Many stores are open seven days a week, though hours vary by location. Calling ahead is useful if you're looking for a specific item or want to confirm current hours before you visit.

Shopping In-Store Versus Online

Cato operates both physical stores and an online shopping platform at cato.com. In-store shopping lets you see and touch items before buying, try things on, and take purchases home immediately. The online store offers the same merchandise and often shows whether items are in stock at your nearest location.

Online orders can be shipped to your home or picked up at a store location if that option is available. Return policies differ slightly between in-store and online purchases, so check the website or ask a store associate about the specific terms. Cato's website also displays sale prices and clearance items, which can help you plan a shopping trip or compare prices before you visit.

Sales, Promotions, and Clearance

Cato runs regular sales throughout the year. The store typically has seasonal clearance events when new inventory arrives—usually at the end of winter and summer seasons. Email subscribers often receive advance notice of sales and exclusive discount codes. You can sign up for Cato's email list on their website to stay informed about upcoming promotions.

Clearance racks in-store are usually located at the back or side of the store and are marked clearly. Clearance items are final sale at most Cato locations, meaning they cannot be returned or exchanged. Checking clearance sections regularly can yield significant savings on accessories, especially if you're flexible about color or style.

Cato's Size Range and Fit

Cato carries women's sizes that extend beyond standard retail ranges. The store stocks petite, regular, and plus sizes across most of its clothing and some accessories. Sizing can vary between brands and styles, so trying items on in-store is helpful if you're unfamiliar with a particular line.

Accessories like belts, scarves, and jewelry are generally one-size-fits-most, though some belts come in different lengths. Handbags vary in size but don't typically come in multiple size options. Store associates can help you find items that fit your needs, and the online site includes detailed measurements and sizing information for most products.

Payment and Return Information

Cato accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash in-store. The online store accepts credit and debit cards. The store also offers a Cato credit card that provides rewards and special promotions for cardholders.

Return and exchange policies allow most items to be returned within a set timeframe with a receipt and original tags attached. Clearance items are typically final sale and cannot be returned. Policies can vary slightly by location, so ask a store associate or check cato.com for the current terms. Online returns can usually be processed by mail or at a physical store location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Cato stores located in South Carolina?

Cato has multiple locations across South Carolina in shopping centers in cities including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Myrtle Beach. Use the store locator on cato.com to find the address, phone number, and hours for the location nearest you.

Can I return accessories bought at Cato?

Most items can be returned within the specified timeframe with a receipt and original tags. Clearance items are usually final sale and cannot be returned. Policies vary by location, so ask a store associate or check the website for exact terms before you purchase.

Does Cato have an online store?

Yes, Cato operates cato.com where you can browse and purchase clothing and accessories. The website shows inventory and pricing for your nearest store location and offers shipping or in-store pickup options for many items.

How often does Cato have sales?

Cato runs regular promotions throughout the year, with major clearance events at the end of winter and summer seasons. Email subscribers receive notice of upcoming sales and discount codes. Check the website or sign up for emails to stay informed about current offers.

What payment methods does Cato accept?

In-store, Cato accepts cash, debit cards, and major credit cards. The store also offers a Cato credit card with rewards and special promotions. Online purchases require a credit or debit card.