It's New To You: A Thrift Store Guide in Columbia
What It's New To You offers and where to find it
It's New To You is a thrift store in Columbia that sells secondhand clothing, furniture, and household goods. The store is located on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a central area with easy parking and foot traffic from nearby restaurants and shops. You'll find racks of used clothing organized by type, shelves of dishes and kitchen items, and rotating furniture pieces that change based on what's been donated.
The store operates as a consignment and donation-based business, meaning much of the inventory comes from people dropping off items they no longer need. This model keeps prices lower than retail while giving items a second life. The selection shifts regularly, so repeat visits often turn up different finds.
Key Takeaways
- It's New To You is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood and carries clothing, furniture, and household goods at thrift prices.
- The inventory changes frequently because items come from donations and consignments, so what you find on one visit may be gone the next.
- The store accepts donations during business hours, and some items may be consigned if you want to sell something you own.
- Prices are typically a fraction of retail, making it a budget-friendly option for furnishing a home or building a wardrobe.
- Five Points offers nearby parking, restaurants, and other shops, so you can combine a thrift visit with other errands or a neighborhood walk.
What you're likely to find on the racks
Clothing at It's New To You spans multiple sizes and styles, from everyday basics to vintage pieces and brand-name items. You might find jeans, sweaters, dresses, and jackets mixed together, so browsing requires patience but often rewards it. Seasonal items rotate in and out—winter coats appear more frequently in fall and early winter, while summer dresses show up as the weather warms.
Furniture and home goods occupy a separate section of the store. Dressers, tables, chairs, and shelving units appear regularly, though specific pieces depend on what's been donated. Kitchen items like dishes, glassware, and small appliances are common. Decorative items, books, and linens fill out the rest of the inventory. Because stock turns over quickly, visiting multiple times a month increases your chances of finding exactly what you need.
How prices compare to other thrift options
It's New To You prices items lower than most retail stores but in line with other Columbia thrift shops. A pair of jeans might cost $8 to $15, a sweater $5 to $12, and furniture pieces typically range from $30 to $150 depending on condition and size. Brand-name items and vintage pieces may cost slightly more. Prices are clearly marked, and there are no hidden fees at checkout.
Compared to buying new, even at discount retailers, thrift prices save money significantly. A new dresser might cost $300 to $500 retail; a used one at It's New To You might be $60 to $120. For people furnishing an apartment, building a work wardrobe, or looking for specific vintage items, the savings add up quickly.
Donating items and consignment options
It's New To You accepts donations during store hours. You can bring items in clean, wearable condition—clothing should be free of stains and tears, and furniture should be structurally sound. The store does not accept everything; staff can tell you on the spot whether they have space for your items. Donations are tax-deductible, though you'll need to track what you've given and estimate fair market value for your records.
If you want to sell something specific, ask about consignment. The store may take items on consignment, meaning they sell it and you receive a percentage of the sale price. Terms vary, so speak with staff about what they're currently accepting and how the split works. Consignment is useful if you have higher-end clothing or furniture you want to move but don't want to donate outright.
Visiting Five Points and nearby stops
It's New To You sits in Five Points, one of Columbia's oldest and most walkable neighborhoods. The area has free and metered parking, so finding a spot is usually straightforward. Once you're there, you can browse other thrift and vintage shops, grab coffee or lunch at nearby cafes, or browse independent bookstores and boutiques. Many people combine a thrift run with a neighborhood walk or meal.
The neighborhood has a mix of long-standing local businesses and newer arrivals, giving it character that chain shopping areas lack. If you're new to Five Points, a visit to It's New To You is a natural entry point to exploring what else the area offers.
What to know before you go
Store hours vary by season and day, so check ahead before making a trip. The store can get busy on weekends, particularly Saturday afternoons, so going on a weekday morning often means shorter lines and more time to browse. Dressing rooms are available, so you can try on clothing before buying.
Because inventory changes constantly, if you're hunting for something specific—a particular size, style, or type of furniture—you may need to visit multiple times. Some shoppers check in weekly; others make it a monthly outing. The unpredictability is part of the thrift experience, and many people find that aspect of the hunt enjoyable rather than frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring anything to donate items?
No, you can simply bring items to the store during business hours. Staff will look at what you have and let you know if they can take it. If you want a receipt for tax purposes, ask for one—keep it with your records of what you donated and its estimated value.
Can I return something I bought if I change my mind?
Return policies vary by thrift store. Ask staff about It's New To You's specific policy when you purchase. Most thrift stores have limited or no returns because items are sold as-is, but it's worth confirming before you leave the register.
Are there fitting rooms?
Yes, dressing rooms are available. You can try on clothing before buying to make sure the fit and condition work for you. This is especially useful at thrift stores, where sizing can vary between brands and older items may fit differently than modern clothing.
What's the best time to find new inventory?
Inventory refreshes continuously as donations come in, but many thrift stores restock most heavily after weekends. Visiting early in the week or on weekday mornings often means you'll see newer arrivals before popular items sell out.
Does It's New To You accept furniture donations?
Yes, but space is limited and condition matters. Large pieces in good structural condition are more likely to be accepted than damaged furniture. Call ahead or ask in person about what they're currently taking, since it depends on current inventory levels.