The Market at Oakland: Midtown's Neighborhood Shopping Destination

What The Market at Oakland offers shoppers

The Market at Oakland is a neighborhood shopping center in Columbia's Midtown district, anchored by a Publix Super Market and filled with everyday retail and dining options. The center sits at the corner of Oakland Avenue and Devine Street, in the heart of a residential and commercial area that draws both locals and visitors looking for convenience without the sprawl of a big-box mall.

The shopping center functions as a true neighborhood hub—the kind of place where you can pick up groceries, grab lunch, run errands, and browse local businesses all in one trip. Unlike larger regional malls, The Market at Oakland keeps things walkable and focused on what residents actually need day-to-day. The center's design reflects Midtown's character: compact, mixed-use, and oriented toward the people who live and work nearby rather than toward destination shopping.

Key Takeaways

• Publix Super Market anchors the center and offers full grocery shopping, pharmacy services, and prepared foods including rotisserie chicken and made-to-order sandwiches.
• The center includes restaurants and casual dining options alongside retail shops for clothing, personal care, and household goods.
• The location on Oakland Avenue in Midtown makes it accessible to nearby residential neighborhoods and close to other Columbia attractions like the Midtown cultural district.
• Parking is available on-site, and the walkable layout lets you park once and move between shops on foot.
• Publix operates seven days a week, though hours vary by day and season, and weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than evenings and weekends.

Publix Super Market and grocery shopping

Publix is the main draw at The Market at Oakland, and it operates as a full-service supermarket with produce, meat, seafood, and dairy departments. The store carries both national brands and Publix's own label products, and many shoppers appreciate Publix's consistent pricing and weekly sales that rotate through different product categories. The produce section is restocked regularly, and the meat counter offers custom cuts if you ask.

Beyond groceries, the Publix location includes a pharmacy where you can fill prescriptions and pick up over-the-counter medications. The store also has a deli counter with prepared foods, rotisserie chicken, and made-to-order sandwiches—useful if you're shopping during lunch or need dinner solutions quickly. The pharmacy hours may differ slightly from store hours, so if you need to fill a prescription at a specific time, calling ahead is worth the minute.

Dining and food options

The Market at Oakland includes several restaurants and food vendors beyond Publix's prepared foods. These typically range from casual quick-service spots to sit-down dining, though the specific tenants can change. The center's location in Midtown means it draws from both the shopping crowd and the neighborhood's after-work dining traffic, so you'll find options suited to both a quick lunch and a more leisurely meal.

If you're planning a shopping trip and want to combine it with a meal, check ahead by phone or online to see which restaurants are currently operating, since tenant lineups shift over time. The center's walkable design means you can browse what's available and choose based on what appeals to you that day.

Retail shops and services

Beyond Publix, The Market at Oakland typically houses retail tenants focused on everyday needs—clothing stores, personal care shops, and household goods retailers. These complement the grocery anchor and make the center a one-stop option for people running multiple errands in a single trip. The mix of tenants is designed to serve the neighborhood rather than draw shoppers from across the city.

The specific retailers change periodically as leases turn over and businesses relocate, so if you're looking for a particular store or brand, it's worth calling ahead or checking the center's current directory before you visit. This is especially true if you're making a special trip for something specific.

Location and parking

The Market at Oakland sits at Oakland Avenue and Devine Street in Columbia's Midtown neighborhood, an area known for its mix of residential streets, local businesses, and cultural venues. The location puts it within easy reach of nearby homes and offices, and close enough to downtown Columbia and other Midtown attractions that it works well as a stop during a larger outing. If you're exploring Midtown's restaurants, galleries, or entertainment venues, The Market at Oakland is convenient to add to your route.

On-site parking is available, which means you can park once and walk between shops rather than moving your car multiple times. The center's walkable layout makes it practical for people who prefer to avoid large mall environments and appreciate being able to accomplish multiple tasks without driving between locations.

When to shop and what to expect

Publix typically operates seven days a week with extended hours, though specific times vary by season and day of the week. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than evenings and weekends, which is useful if you prefer a quieter shopping experience or want to move through the store quickly.

The center draws a steady mix of neighborhood residents, office workers from nearby Midtown businesses, and people making planned shopping trips. Because it's neighborhood-focused rather than destination shopping, you'll generally find a more local crowd than at regional malls. The atmosphere reflects Midtown's character—casual, community-oriented, and built around the rhythms of people who live and work in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Market at Oakland have a pharmacy?

Yes, the Publix Super Market location includes a full pharmacy where you can fill prescriptions, pick up over-the-counter medications, and speak with a pharmacist. Pharmacy hours may differ slightly from store hours, so call ahead if you need to fill a prescription at a specific time.

Is there parking at The Market at Oakland?

Yes, the center has on-site parking available for shoppers. The lot is designed to serve the shopping center's tenants, and parking is free while you shop. The layout lets you park once and walk between stores.

What restaurants are at The Market at Oakland?

The center includes dining options, though the specific restaurants change over time. Call the center or check online for current restaurant tenants and their hours before you visit if you're planning to eat there.

Is The Market at Oakland walkable?

Yes, the center is designed with a walkable layout that lets you park once and move between shops on foot. The Midtown location also means the surrounding neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore the broader area.

What are the hours at Publix?

Publix typically operates seven days a week, though hours vary by day and season. Call the store directly or check Publix's website for the specific hours on the day you plan to shop.