What to Expect at Select Shades Sunglass Outlet in South Carolina

Where Select Shades is Located and What They Carry

Select Shades Sunglass Outlet operates as a discount sunglass retailer in South Carolina, selling brand-name and designer frames at reduced prices compared to full-price optical shops. The outlet focuses on overstock, previous-season styles, and closeout inventory from major sunglass manufacturers, which is how they keep prices lower than you would pay at department stores or brand boutiques.

The store stocks a rotating selection that changes based on what inventory becomes available through wholesale channels. You will find frames from recognizable brands alongside house-brand options. Because outlet inventory shifts regularly, what is in stock on one visit may not be there the next week, and new arrivals come in throughout the month.

Key Takeaways

• Select Shades Sunglass Outlet sells discounted frames and sunglasses from brand-name manufacturers, typically at 20 to 50 percent below retail prices.
• Inventory changes frequently because the outlet receives overstock and closeout merchandise, so popular styles may sell out quickly.
• You can browse in person to try frames on and see lens quality before buying, which matters more than ordering online when fit and comfort are important.
• Return and exchange policies vary by location, so ask about their specific terms before you leave the register.

How Outlet Pricing Works and What You Save

Outlet sunglass stores buy excess inventory that manufacturers and distributors cannot sell through regular retail channels. This includes frames from last season, overproduction runs, and discontinued styles. Because the outlet buys in bulk at wholesale rates and does not carry the overhead of a full-price retail location, they pass savings to you—typically 20 to 50 percent off what you would pay at a department store or brand website.

The trade-off is that you cannot special-order a specific frame or color if it is not currently in stock. You shop from what is available that day. Some outlets also sell frames with minor cosmetic imperfections—a small scratch on the frame or packaging damage—at even steeper discounts, though the sunglasses themselves function normally.

What to Look for When Trying On Frames

When you visit, bring a friend or use the mirror to check how frames sit on your face. Good-fitting sunglasses should rest evenly on your nose without sliding, and the temples should curve gently around your ears without pinching. The lens should cover your eye area without pressing against your eyelashes or eyebrows.

Look at the lens quality through the frames—hold them up to a light source and check for bubbles, cloudiness, or uneven tinting. Polarized lenses reduce glare from water and reflective surfaces, which matters if you spend time driving or near water; non-polarized lenses are fine for general sun protection. Ask a staff member which lenses are polarized if you are not sure, since the label is usually on the tag or inside the frame arm.

Outlet Inventory and Availability

Because Select Shades buys closeout stock, you may find excellent deals on frames you recognize, but you cannot count on them being there next week. If you find a style you love, buying it that day is smarter than waiting—the outlet may not restock that exact frame. Conversely, if a frame does not fit well or you are unsure, do not buy it just because it is discounted; an unworn pair at home is not a bargain.

New shipments typically arrive on a regular schedule, so calling ahead to ask when new stock comes in can help you time a visit if you are hunting for a particular brand or style. Staff can also tell you whether a frame you saw before is likely to come back in stock, though they cannot may provide it.

Return and Exchange Policies

Outlet stores often have stricter return policies than full-price retailers because their margins are already thin. Many outlets allow returns or exchanges within 14 to 30 days if the frames are unworn and in original packaging, but some have shorter windows or do not accept returns on clearance items. Ask about the specific policy before you buy, and keep your receipt and original packaging if you think you might return the frames.

If a lens is defective or breaks within a reasonable time, most outlets will replace it or exchange the frames, but this usually requires proof of purchase and the original packaging. Damage from dropping the frames or sitting on them is typically not covered.

When to Shop and How to Find the Location

Outlet stores often have the best selection early in the week, before weekend shoppers pick through inventory. End-of-season sales (late August and late February) sometimes bring additional markdowns as the outlet clears space for new stock. Holiday weekends can mean crowded stores and picked-over selection, so a quiet weekday visit usually gives you more options to browse.

Select Shades locations vary by region within South Carolina. Search online for the nearest store address and hours, or call ahead to confirm they carry the style or brand you are looking for. Some outlets are located in outlet malls alongside other discount retailers, while others are standalone shops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do outlet sunglasses have the same UV protection as full-price ones?

Yes, as long as the lenses are legitimate. Reputable outlet retailers source frames from the same manufacturers as full-price stores, so the UV protection is identical. Avoid extremely cheap frames from unknown brands, as those may not block UV rays effectively. Ask the staff what UV rating the lenses offer if you are unsure.

Can I return sunglasses if I change my mind?

It depends on the outlet's policy, which is why you should ask before you buy. Most outlets allow returns within 14 to 30 days if frames are unworn and in original packaging, but clearance or final-sale items may not be returnable. Keep your receipt and packaging until you are certain you want to keep them.

Are designer frames at the outlet real?

Yes, legitimate outlet stores sell authentic frames from real manufacturers. They are overstock or previous-season styles, not counterfeits. If a deal seems too good to be true—a designer brand for a few dollars—that is a red flag. Reputable outlets still price frames at a reasonable discount, not giveaway prices.

What if the frames I want are not in stock?

Ask staff when new shipments arrive and whether they can contact you if that style comes in. Some outlets keep a wish list or can note your interest. You can also visit regularly or call ahead to check inventory, though the outlet cannot may provide a specific frame will return.

Do outlet sunglasses come with a warranty?

Warranties vary by location and manufacturer. Some frames come with a limited manufacturer warranty covering defects, while others do not. Ask what coverage applies to your purchase before you leave the store, and keep your receipt as proof of purchase if you need to make a claim.