Steal of a Deal Overstocks: Where to Find Discounted Shoes in South Carolina

What Steal of a Deal Overstocks sells and where to find them

Steal of a Deal Overstocks is a discount shoe retailer with locations across South Carolina that sells overstock and clearance inventory from major brands at reduced prices. The stores carry men's, women's, and children's shoes from manufacturers' excess stock—shoes that didn't sell at full price elsewhere but are brand new and unworn. You'll find everything from athletic shoes to casual wear to formal footwear, typically marked 30 to 70 percent below retail.

The chain operates multiple locations throughout the state, with stores in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and other communities. Each location stocks different inventory depending on what overstock arrives, so what you find in one store may not be available in another. The stores are small-format retail spaces, usually located in strip centers rather than malls, which keeps overhead low and allows them to pass savings to shoppers.

Prices change frequently as new overstock arrives and existing stock sells through. There's no membership fee or loyalty program required—you simply walk in and shop at the marked prices. Most locations accept cash and card payments, though it's worth calling ahead to confirm hours and current inventory if you're traveling a distance to visit.

Key Takeaways

• Steal of a Deal Overstocks carries brand-name shoes at 30 to 70 percent below retail prices because they sell manufacturer overstock rather than regular inventory.
• Each store's inventory changes regularly as new overstock arrives, so the selection varies by location and visit date.
• You'll find shoes for men, women, and children across athletic, casual, and formal categories, all brand new and unworn.
• Stores are located in strip centers across South Carolina cities including Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, with no membership or loyalty program required.

How overstock pricing works

Manufacturers and retailers end up with overstock for several reasons: a style didn't sell as expected, a store ordered too much inventory, a season ended and stock remained, or a retailer went out of business and liquidated. Rather than destroy unsold shoes or warehouse them indefinitely, brands and retailers sell this excess inventory to discount chains like Steal of a Deal at a fraction of wholesale cost. The discount store then marks the shoes up enough to cover rent and payroll, but still well below what you'd pay at a regular retail location.

This model means the shoes are authentic and new—they're not returns, damaged goods, or seconds. They simply didn't move through the original sales channel. The tradeoff is that you have no control over what arrives in the store, sizes may be limited in any given style, and you can't special-order something that's sold out. Shopping at an overstock store requires flexibility and patience, but the price difference is substantial enough that many shoppers find it worthwhile.

What to expect when you visit

Stores are typically organized by category—men's, women's, children's—rather than by brand or style. Shoes are usually arranged on shelves or in bins, and sizes within a style may be scattered across the display rather than grouped together. You'll need to hunt through inventory to find your size, which is part of why overstock stores can keep prices low; they don't employ staff to organize and maintain displays the way full-price retailers do.

Fitting rooms are usually available, though some locations may have limited space. Return policies vary by location, so ask at the register what the store's policy is before you purchase. Most overstock retailers offer returns within a short window—often 7 to 14 days—if shoes are unworn and in original condition, but policies differ. Keep your receipt and ask about the specific terms when you check out.

Parking is typically free and ample since stores are in strip centers. Visit during off-peak hours if you prefer a less crowded shopping experience and more time to browse. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter than weekend afternoons.

Finding the right size and fit

Because overstock inventory is unpredictable, you may not find your exact size in every style you like. Popular sizes—women's 7 through 9 and men's 9 through 11—tend to sell faster and may have fewer options on any given visit. Smaller and larger sizes sometimes linger longer on shelves. If you wear a less common size, you may have better luck finding inventory.

Bring socks if you plan to try on shoes, or ask the store if they provide them. Fit is personal, and overstock stores typically don't have the staff to help you find the perfect shoe the way a full-service retailer might. Try shoes on thoroughly before purchasing, especially if you're unfamiliar with the brand. Some brands run narrow or wide, and sizing can vary between manufacturers.

Comparing prices to other discount options

Steal of a Deal Overstocks competes with other discount shoe retailers and online clearance sales. Outlet malls and outlet stores operated by individual brands sometimes offer comparable or better prices on specific items, but their inventory is more predictable and organized. Online retailers like Zappos Clearance, Amazon Warehouse, and brand-specific outlet sites let you search for specific styles and sizes from home, but you pay for shipping and can't try shoes on before buying.

Thrift stores and consignment shops occasionally carry gently used shoes at low prices, but the selection is random and sizes are limited. Steal of a Deal's advantage is that everything is brand new, prices are marked clearly without needing to negotiate, and you can try shoes on immediately. The disadvantage is that you're limited to what's in stock on the day you visit.

Tips for shopping strategically

Visit multiple times during a season rather than once, since new overstock arrives regularly and inventory turns over quickly. If you find shoes you like but aren't sure, try them on and think about it—popular sizes and styles may be gone by your next visit. Conversely, if something doesn't fit or feel right, don't buy it just because the price is low; an unworn pair sitting in your closet isn't a deal.

Ask staff whether they know when new shipments arrive, as some stores receive inventory on specific days. Shopping right after a delivery gives you the widest selection. If you're looking for a particular brand or style, call ahead to ask if they currently have it in stock rather than making a trip only to find it's sold out.

Consider visiting stores in different cities if you're traveling through South Carolina. Each location's inventory is independent, so a style that's sold out in Columbia might be available in Charleston or Greenville. If you find shoes you love, consider buying a second pair if your budget allows, since that exact style may not return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the shoes at Steal of a Deal authentic?

Yes. Overstock retailers purchase genuine excess inventory directly from manufacturers and authorized distributors. The shoes are brand new and unworn; they simply didn't sell through the original retail channel. You're buying the same authentic products you'd find at full-price stores, just at a lower cost because the retailer paid less for the inventory.

Can I return shoes if they don't fit?

Return policies vary by location, so ask at the register when you purchase. Most Steal of a Deal stores allow returns within 7 to 14 days if shoes are unworn and in original condition with your receipt. Some locations may have stricter policies, so confirm the terms before you leave the store.

Why is the selection so different between stores?

Each location receives its own overstock shipments based on what manufacturers and distributors have available. A style that arrives in one store may never reach another location. This is why inventory varies so much by store and visit date—you're shopping from a constantly changing pool of excess stock rather than from a centralized distribution system.

Do Steal of a Deal stores have a website or online shopping?

Most Steal of a Deal locations operate as physical retail stores without online ordering. You'll need to visit in person to see current inventory and try shoes on. Call your nearest location to ask about specific styles or sizes before making a trip.

What brands does Steal of a Deal typically carry?

Inventory includes major athletic and casual brands, but what's in stock depends on what overstock is available. You might find Nike, Adidas, Skechers, New Balance, Clarks, and other recognizable names, but selection changes constantly. There's no may provide brand list, which is part of the treasure-hunt nature of overstock shopping.