Buy Buy Baby Locations and What to Expect When You Visit
Buy Buy Baby closed all U.S. stores in 2023
Buy Buy Baby, the standalone baby gear retailer owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, shut down every location across the country by early 2023. The chain filed for bankruptcy and liquidated its inventory, so you cannot visit a Buy Buy Baby store or order from its website anymore.
If you were a regular customer or had a gift card, the closure affected your shopping options. The parent company, Bed Bath & Beyond, also closed most of its own stores around the same time, though a smaller number of Bed Bath & Beyond locations have since reopened under new ownership.
Families in South Carolina who shopped at Buy Buy Baby now need to look elsewhere for baby furniture, strollers, car seats, and gear. Understanding where those stores were and what alternatives exist in the state can help you find what you need.
Key Takeaways
- Buy Buy Baby permanently closed all stores nationwide in early 2023 after the parent company filed for bankruptcy.
- South Carolina had Buy Buy Baby locations in Charleston and Columbia, but both are now closed.
- Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Buy Buy Baby's former parent Bed Bath & Beyond (where it still operates in select locations) now carry similar baby gear and furniture.
- Specialty baby stores, consignment shops, and online retailers offer alternatives for finding strollers, car seats, cribs, and other baby equipment.
- Gift cards issued by Buy Buy Baby became worthless after the liquidation, though some cardholders pursued legal claims.
Where Buy Buy Baby operated in South Carolina
Before its closure, Buy Buy Baby had two locations in South Carolina: one in the Charleston area and one in the Columbia area. Both stores carried the full range of products the chain offered—cribs, mattresses, strollers, car seats, high chairs, bedding, and nursery décor.
The Charleston location served the Lowcountry and coastal regions, while the Columbia store served the Midlands. Customers from surrounding counties often drove to these locations for the selection and brand variety. When the chain liquidated, inventory was sold off quickly, and the storefronts were vacated.
What happened to Buy Buy Baby gift cards
If you held a Buy Buy Baby gift card at the time of closure, the card lost its value. The company did not honor outstanding gift cards after filing for bankruptcy, and cardholders had no recourse through the retailer itself.
Some customers pursued legal action as part of class-action settlements related to the bankruptcy, but recovery was limited. If you still have an unused Buy Buy Baby card, contact your credit card company or bank to see if there are any dispute options, though most claims have long since passed their filing deadlines.
Where to buy baby gear and furniture now in South Carolina
Target and Walmart both carry extensive baby sections with cribs, strollers, car seats, and nursery furniture at multiple locations across the state. Target's baby department includes brands like Graco, Evenflo, and Baby Trend, while Walmart offers similar selections at lower price points.
Bed Bath & Beyond locations that remain open (a limited number operate under new ownership) still stock some baby items, though the selection is smaller than it was before the chain's major downsizing. Check their website to find which stores near you are currently operating.
Buy Buy Baby's former parent company no longer operates Buy Buy Baby stores, but Bed Bath & Beyond itself carries baby products in its remaining locations. Specialty baby stores in larger South Carolina cities—particularly in Charleston and the Greenville area—offer curated selections and expert staff who can answer questions about safety and fit.
Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock ship to South Carolina and often have faster delivery than driving to a physical store. Many also offer free returns, which is helpful when buying furniture or gear you want to see in person first.
Consignment and secondhand options for baby furniture
Consignment shops and secondhand stores throughout South Carolina sell gently used cribs, strollers, and other baby gear at lower prices than new retailers. Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg all have consignment boutiques that specialize in children's items.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are also active in South Carolina for local sales of baby furniture. When buying secondhand, check that cribs and car seats meet current safety standards—older models may not comply with current regulations, and car seats have expiration dates.
Comparing your shopping options
| Retailer | Product Range | Price Point | Availability in SC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Cribs, strollers, car seats, bedding, décor | Mid-range | Multiple locations statewide |
| Walmart | Cribs, strollers, car seats, bedding, basics | Budget-friendly | Multiple locations statewide |
| Bed Bath & Beyond (select locations) | Furniture, bedding, décor, some gear | Mid-range to premium | Limited locations |
| Specialty baby stores | Curated selection, expert advice | Premium | Charleston, Greenville, Columbia |
| Consignment shops | Gently used furniture and gear | Budget-friendly | Major cities and towns |
| Online retailers | Full range, often exclusive brands | Varies | Ships to all SC addresses |
What to know before buying baby furniture and gear
When shopping for cribs, car seats, and other safety-critical items, verify that products meet current federal safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains a database of recalled products; checking it before purchase can prevent problems.
Car seats have expiration dates (usually five to seven years from manufacture) and should never be bought used unless you know the full history—they may have been in accidents that compromised their safety. Cribs should meet current CPSC standards, which changed significantly in recent years.
Strollers, high chairs, and other gear have fewer safety restrictions but still benefit from checking reviews and comparing features. Many retailers offer return windows of 30 to 90 days, so you can test items at home before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Buy Buy Baby gift card anywhere?
No. Buy Buy Baby gift cards became worthless when the company liquidated in 2023. The retailer did not transfer balances to other stores or honor cards after closure. If you have an unused card, contact your credit card issuer to see if any dispute options remain, though most claims have passed their deadlines.
Does Bed Bath & Beyond still sell baby products?
Some Bed Bath & Beyond locations that remain open under new ownership carry baby items, but selection is limited compared to before the chain's downsizing. Check the Bed Bath & Beyond website to find stores near you and call ahead to confirm they stock the specific products you need.
Where can I find specialty baby stores in South Carolina?
Specialty baby boutiques operate in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia. Search online for "baby store near me" or check local business directories. These shops often offer expert staff, curated brands, and personalized service that big-box retailers cannot match, though prices are typically higher.
Is it safe to buy a used crib or car seat?
Used cribs are safe if they meet current CPSC standards and have no recalls. Car seats should never be purchased used unless you know they were never in an accident—impact can compromise safety even if damage is not visible. Always check the CPSC recall database before buying any secondhand baby gear.
What online retailers ship baby furniture to South Carolina?
Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, and Buy Buy Baby's former parent company's website all ship to South Carolina. Many offer free returns, which is helpful for furniture you want to inspect before keeping. Compare shipping times and return policies before ordering, as delivery can take one to four weeks depending on the retailer.