Good As New Thrift Store in Columbia: What to Expect When You Shop There

What Good As New Offers and Where to Find It

Good As New is a thrift store in Columbia that sells used clothing, furniture, household goods, and other items at lower prices than retail. The store is located on Devine Street, a neighborhood shopping area in the heart of Columbia's midtown district. You can walk in during regular business hours without calling ahead or making an appointment.

The store's inventory changes regularly because stock comes from donations and what people bring in to sell. On any given visit you might find vintage dresses, kitchen tables, lamps, books, dishes, or children's clothing—but you won't find the same items next week. This unpredictability is part of what draws regular shoppers who treat thrift hunting as a treasure hunt rather than a standard retail experience.

Key Takeaways

• Good As New is located on Devine Street in Columbia and operates on a walk-in basis during posted business hours.
• Inventory rotates constantly because items come from donations and consignment, so the selection changes week to week.
• Prices are significantly lower than new retail, but items are sold as-is without return policies or warranties.
• The store accepts donations and may also buy items outright, depending on condition and current demand.
• Shopping here supports a local business model that keeps usable goods out of landfills while offering budget-friendly options.

How Pricing Works and What You'll Pay

Good As New prices items based on condition, age, brand, and current demand. A used winter coat might cost $8 to $15, while a solid wood dresser could run $40 to $80. Designer or vintage pieces sometimes carry higher prices, but they're still well below what you'd pay new. Items with stains, missing buttons, or minor damage are marked down further or discounted at checkout.

The store does not offer price matching, and prices can vary between identical items depending on their condition. A pair of jeans in excellent shape costs more than the same brand with a small hole. This means two shoppers buying the same type of item might pay different amounts—part of the thrift store experience.

What Condition to Expect and Return Policies

Items at Good As New are sold as-is. That means you're buying used goods that may show wear, have small repairs needed, or have cosmetic imperfections. A chair might have a faded spot on the fabric. A blouse might have a small stain that didn't come out in washing. Furniture might have scratches or wobbly legs. Before you buy, inspect items carefully for damage, stains, odors, or mechanical problems.

The store does not accept returns or exchanges. Once you've paid and left with an item, it's yours. This is standard for thrift stores because inventory moves quickly and items are priced to reflect their condition. If you're unsure about a purchase, ask a staff member to help you evaluate it before checkout, or leave it and come back if you change your mind.

Donating Items and Selling Your Own Goods

Good As New accepts donations of clothing, furniture, household goods, and other items in usable condition. You can drop off donations during business hours. The store does not provide tax receipts or documentation for donations, so if you need that for tax purposes, ask staff what they can provide before you leave items.

The store may also buy items outright or accept them on consignment, depending on what you're selling and the store's current inventory needs. If you have furniture, vintage clothing, or other goods you want to sell, bring them in or call ahead to ask whether the store is currently buying that category. Consignment terms and buyout prices vary, so discuss those details with staff before leaving anything behind.

Best Times to Shop and What to Bring

Good As New tends to be busiest on weekends and early evenings on weekdays. If you prefer a less crowded experience, visit on a weekday afternoon. New inventory arrives throughout the week, so there's no single "best day" to find specific items—but regular shoppers often develop a rhythm of visiting on certain days to catch new stock.

Bring a reusable bag or be prepared to carry your purchases, as the store may charge for bags or have limited supply. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because thrift shopping involves browsing, bending, and moving through racks and shelves. If you're shopping for furniture, bring measurements of the space you're filling so you don't buy something that won't fit.

Why People Shop at Good As New and What It Supports

Shoppers come to Good As New for budget-friendly prices, the thrill of finding unexpected items, and the environmental benefit of keeping goods in circulation rather than in landfills. Every purchase extends the life of an item and reduces demand for new production. For people on tight budgets, thrift stores make it possible to furnish a home, build a wardrobe, or find specific items without spending retail prices.

Supporting a local thrift store also means your money stays in the Columbia community rather than flowing to a national chain. The store employs local staff and often donates unsold items to other community organizations. Shopping secondhand has become mainstream in South Carolina and across the country, driven by both economic sense and environmental awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the store's hours and how do I know if it's open?

Good As New operates during standard retail hours, typically opening in the morning and closing in the evening. Hours may vary by day of the week and may change seasonally. Call the store directly or check their social media pages for current hours before making a trip, especially if you're visiting on a holiday or weekend.

Can I return something if I get home and change my mind?

No. Good As New does not accept returns or exchanges. Items are sold as-is, and once you leave the store with a purchase, the sale is final. This is why inspecting items carefully before checkout is important—ask staff questions about condition, damage, or how something works before you buy.

Do you have a specific item I'm looking for?

Because inventory changes constantly, the store cannot hold items or may provide they'll have what you want. You can call and describe what you're looking for, and staff may tell you whether they currently have it. If they don't, you can visit regularly or ask if they can contact you if that item comes in, though this depends on the store's policies.

What happens to items that don't sell?

Unsold inventory is typically donated to other nonprofits, charities, or community organizations in the Columbia area. Some items may be discounted heavily to clear space for new donations. This keeps usable goods moving through the community rather than being thrown away.

Is everything in the store secondhand, or do you sell new items too?

Good As New primarily sells used and donated items. Occasionally new merchandise may be mixed in—particularly if it was part of a donation lot—but the store's focus is on secondhand goods. If you're unsure whether something is new or used, ask staff before you buy.