Shoe Dept. Encore: Clearance Shoes and Discount Brands Across South Carolina

What Shoe Dept. Encore Carries and Where to Find It

Shoe Dept. Encore is the clearance and outlet division of Shoe Dept., stocking discounted footwear from major brands at lower prices than full-price retailers. The chain carries shoes for men, women, and children across casual, athletic, and dress categories. You'll find brands like Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Clarks, and New Balance, typically marked down 20 to 60 percent from original retail.

South Carolina has multiple Shoe Dept. Encore locations, primarily in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. Stores are often located in outlet malls and discount shopping centers rather than traditional mall anchors. The inventory changes frequently because stock comes from overstock, seasonal closeouts, and discontinued styles from Shoe Dept.'s full-price stores.

Key Takeaways

• Shoe Dept. Encore sells brand-name footwear at discounted prices, with inventory that rotates based on clearance stock and seasonal overstock.
• Locations are scattered across South Carolina, mostly in outlet centers and discount shopping areas rather than traditional malls.
• You can browse current inventory and store locations on the Shoe Dept. website, which lists both full-price and Encore locations separately.
• Return policies and pricing vary by location, so confirming store hours and current stock before visiting saves a trip.
• Shoe Dept. Encore does not carry the same selection as full-price Shoe Dept. stores, so sizing and style availability can be limited.

How Shoe Dept. Encore Pricing Works

Prices at Shoe Dept. Encore reflect clearance markdowns rather than manufacturer sales. A shoe that retails for $120 at a full-price Shoe Dept. might be marked $50 to $80 at Encore, depending on how long it has been in stock and how much inventory needs to move. The deeper the discount, the older or less popular the style tends to be.

Prices are set per location and can differ between stores. A pair of Skechers might cost $45 at one Encore location and $55 at another, depending on what that store received and how quickly it needs to clear space. Checking the Shoe Dept. website or calling ahead can confirm whether a specific style and size is in stock at your nearest location before you drive there.

Finding a Shoe Dept. Encore Near You

The Shoe Dept. website has a store locator that distinguishes between full-price Shoe Dept. locations and Shoe Dept. Encore outlets. Enter your zip code or city to see which type of store is closest. Encore locations are concentrated in outlet malls and discount shopping centers, so you may find one near other clearance retailers.

Many Shoe Dept. Encore stores are located in outlet malls in areas like Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and the Columbia area. If you are planning a shopping trip to an outlet center, check whether an Encore location is there before you go. Store hours vary by location, and some outlets have reduced weekend or weekday hours, so a quick phone call confirms they will be open when you plan to visit.

What to Expect When You Shop There

Shoe Dept. Encore stores are smaller than full-price Shoe Dept. locations and carry a rotating selection. You may find exactly what you need one week and nothing in your size the next. Inventory is organized by brand and shoe type, but the selection within each category is narrower than at a traditional shoe store.

Fitting assistance is available, though staff availability can vary depending on how busy the store is. Trying on shoes before buying is standard practice, and most locations have seating areas where you can test fit. Because stock turns over quickly, if you find something you like in your size, buying it that day is usually safer than waiting for a return visit.

Return and Exchange Policies

Shoe Dept. Encore's return policy is typically 30 days with a receipt and original packaging, though specific terms vary by location. Shoes must be unworn and in resalable condition. Bring your receipt and the original box if you have them, as returns are faster and simpler with proof of purchase.

Exchanges for a different size or style are usually processed on the spot if the store has the replacement item in stock. If the store does not carry your size or preferred style, a refund to your original payment method is the standard option. Calling your local store before returning an item confirms their specific policy and whether they can process your return that day.

Comparing Shoe Dept. Encore to Other Discount Shoe Options

Shoe Dept. Encore competes with other clearance and outlet shoe retailers, each with different brand selections and pricing. DSW Clearance carries similar brands but is less common in South Carolina. Payless locations, where still operating, offer lower price points but typically carry fewer premium brands. Online retailers like Amazon and Zappos have broader selection but require shipping time and return logistics.

Shoe Dept. Encore's advantage is immediate availability—you walk out with shoes the same day—and the ability to try them on before buying. The trade-off is that inventory is limited and unpredictable. If you know exactly what you want and need it quickly, Encore is worth a visit. If you are browsing for options, you may find more selection online, though you will pay full price or wait for a sale.

Tips for Shopping Shoe Dept. Encore Successfully

Visit during off-peak hours—weekday mornings or early afternoons—when staff can help you find your size and the fitting area is less crowded. Bring your shoe size from multiple brands if you wear different sizes across manufacturers, since Encore's limited stock means you may need to try different options.

Check the Shoe Dept. website or call ahead if you are looking for a specific brand or style. Asking whether the store has received new clearance stock recently can help you decide whether it is worth a trip. Sign up for Shoe Dept.'s email list if you shop there regularly, as Encore locations sometimes send location-specific promotions or alerts about new arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return shoes to Shoe Dept. Encore if I bought them at a full-price Shoe Dept. store?

Return policies between full-price and Encore locations may differ. Contact the Encore location where you want to return the shoes to confirm whether they will accept a return from a full-price store. Some locations honor returns across both store types, while others handle them separately.

Does Shoe Dept. Encore have an online store or ship to my home?

Shoe Dept. Encore does not operate a separate online store. Shopping is in-person at physical locations. The main Shoe Dept. website has an online store for full-price merchandise, but Encore clearance inventory is not listed there.

Why is the same shoe priced differently at different Shoe Dept. Encore locations?

Each Encore location receives different clearance stock based on what the regional full-price stores need to clear. A style that is overstocked in one area may not have arrived at another location yet, or may have already sold out. Pricing also reflects how quickly each store needs to move inventory.

Are Shoe Dept. Encore shoes authentic?

Yes, Shoe Dept. Encore carries authentic merchandise from major brands. The shoes are overstock, seasonal closeouts, or discontinued styles from Shoe Dept.'s regular inventory, not counterfeit or factory seconds. All shoes come with the same warranty and quality standards as full-price purchases.

What brands does Shoe Dept. Encore usually carry?

Common brands include Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Clarks, New Balance, Puma, and Crocs, though specific brands and styles vary by location and change with incoming clearance stock. Visiting regularly or calling ahead helps you find what you are looking for.