Shopping at Citi Trends: What to Expect and How to Navigate the Store

Citi Trends sells brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories at lower prices than department stores, with locations across South Carolina and the Southeast

Citi Trends is a discount fashion retailer that carries men's, women's, and children's clothing alongside shoes, belts, hats, and seasonal items. The store focuses on current styles at reduced prices—you'll find brands like Rocawear, Sean John, and Akademiks alongside house brands. Most locations are in smaller towns and neighborhoods rather than shopping malls, which keeps overhead lower and prices down.

South Carolina has Citi Trends stores in cities including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg, as well as smaller communities. The chain operates over 600 locations across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, so the shopping experience is consistent whether you're in the Lowcountry or the Upstate. Stores typically stock seasonal merchandise, meaning winter coats arrive in fall and summer items in spring.

Key Takeaways

• Citi Trends carries current fashion brands and styles at 30 to 50 percent below typical retail prices by buying overstock and previous seasons' inventory.
• The store layout changes frequently as new shipments arrive, so items you see one week may not be there the next—popular sizes sell quickly.
• Return and exchange policies vary by location and purchase date, so keep your receipt and ask the cashier about the specific window for your store.
• Citi Trends runs clearance sections and periodic sales, particularly at the end of seasons, where discounts stack on top of already-reduced prices.
• Most South Carolina locations accept cash, debit, and credit cards, though a few smaller stores may have limited payment options—call ahead if you plan to use a specific method.

How Citi Trends Keeps Prices Low

Citi Trends buys overstock from other retailers, previous seasons' inventory that didn't sell at full price, and closeout merchandise from department stores and brand warehouses. This means you're buying current or near-current styles, not outdated fashion. The trade-off is that inventory is unpredictable—a shirt in your size today may be gone tomorrow because the store only has what was in that particular shipment.

The store also operates with a smaller footprint than department stores and avoids the advertising costs of major chains. That savings gets passed to you at checkout. Prices are already marked down from the manufacturer's suggested retail price, so you're not waiting for a sale to get a deal—the everyday price is the discount price.

What You'll Find in Store

Citi Trends stocks clothing for men, women, and children in sizes that typically range from XS to 3X for adults, though availability varies by location and item. You'll see jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, dresses, and work pants alongside seasonal outerwear. The shoe section includes sneakers, boots, sandals, and dress shoes from brands like Puma, Skechers, and house brands.

Accessories fill the front and side aisles—belts, hats, scarves, socks, and sometimes jewelry. The store also carries basics like underwear, socks, and athletic wear. Seasonal items rotate heavily: winter coats and thermal layers in November and December, shorts and lightweight tops in May and June. End-of-season clearance sections often have the deepest discounts, sometimes 60 to 70 percent off, but selection is limited to what didn't sell.

Shopping Strategy: Finding the Best Deals

Clearance racks are your best bet for the lowest prices. These are typically located at the back or side of the store and hold items from the previous season or overstock that didn't move. Prices on clearance are already reduced from the store's regular discount price, so a winter coat marked down to clearance in March will cost less than the same coat in October.

Visit during off-peak hours—weekday mornings or early afternoons—when staff can help you find sizes and when popular items haven't sold out yet. Popular sizes in common styles (medium t-shirts, size 10 jeans) move fastest, so if you see something you like, buy it then rather than waiting. Citi Trends doesn't restock the exact same items regularly, so "I'll come back for it" often means it's gone.

Sign up for the Citi Trends rewards program at the register if you shop there regularly. The program tracks purchases and alerts you to sales and special discounts via email or text. You don't pay to join, and you earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts.

Returns, Exchanges, and Store Policies

Citi Trends allows returns and exchanges within a set window from the date of purchase—typically 30 days with a receipt. Items must have tags attached and show no signs of wear. Without a receipt, returns are more limited and may only be offered as store credit. Clearance items are often final sale, so check the tag before you buy if you think you might return it.

Exchange policies are more flexible than returns: if you bought the wrong size, you can usually swap it for another size in the same item without a time limit, as long as you have your receipt and the item is unworn. Different locations may have slightly different policies, so ask at the register when you purchase.

Citi Trends does not accept online orders for delivery to your home in most areas, though some locations may offer in-store pickup for online purchases. Check the Citi Trends website or call your local store to confirm what services are available near you.

Finding a Citi Trends Location in South Carolina

Use the store locator on the Citi Trends website to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. You can search by city or zip code. Stores are typically open seven days a week, with hours usually running from 10 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and slightly shorter hours on Sundays. Hours vary by location, so call ahead if you're making a special trip.

Many South Carolina Citi Trends stores are in downtown areas or neighborhood shopping centers rather than major malls. Parking is usually free and plentiful. If you're shopping for a specific item—a particular size or style—calling ahead can save you a trip, though staff may not be able to hold items for you.

What Makes Citi Trends Different From Other Discount Retailers

Unlike thrift stores, Citi Trends sells new merchandise with tags attached. Unlike outlet stores, which sell overstock from a single brand, Citi Trends carries multiple brands and styles under one roof. The inventory model is closer to a discount department store: you get current fashion at lower prices, but selection is limited and changes constantly.

Compared to big-box retailers like Walmart or Target, Citi Trends focuses more on fashion-forward styles and brand names, even at discount prices. You're more likely to find trendy jeans or branded sneakers than basics. The trade-off is that prices are lower but inventory is less predictable, and the store is smaller so selection in any given category is narrower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something without a receipt?

Yes, but with limits. Most Citi Trends locations will accept returns without a receipt as store credit if the item has tags attached and shows no wear. The refund amount is typically the current selling price, not what you paid. Clearance items are usually final sale regardless of receipt status.

Does Citi Trends have a website where I can shop online?

Citi Trends has a website where you can browse inventory and find store locations, but online shopping options vary by area. Some locations offer in-store pickup for online orders, while others do not. Call your local store or check the website to see what's available in your area.

Are the brands at Citi Trends authentic?

Yes. Citi Trends buys overstock and closeout merchandise from authorized distributors and retailers, so all branded items are genuine. The store does not sell counterfeit goods. Prices are low because the merchandise is overstock or previous season, not because it's fake.

What payment methods does Citi Trends accept?

Most Citi Trends locations accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some smaller stores may have limited payment options. Call ahead if you plan to use a specific payment method and want to confirm it's accepted at your local store.

When does Citi Trends have sales?

Citi Trends runs clearance sales at the end of each season—typically January through February for winter items and July through August for summer items. The store also runs periodic promotions throughout the year. Sign up for the rewards program to receive notifications about upcoming sales and special discounts.