Cavaliers of Columbia: Where to Find Vintage Clothing and Collectibles

What Cavaliers of Columbia Sells

Cavaliers of Columbia is a consignment and vintage shop located in Columbia that specializes in clothing, accessories, and collectible items from different eras. The store carries both men's and women's apparel, ranging from everyday vintage pieces to higher-end designer finds. You'll also find home décor, books, records, and other secondhand goods that rotate based on what consignors bring in.

The inventory changes regularly because the shop operates on a consignment model—local sellers bring items in, and Cavaliers displays and sells them on their behalf. This means you might find a 1970s leather jacket one week and a collection of vintage band t-shirts the next. The mix of eras, styles, and price points makes it worth visiting more than once if you're hunting for something specific.

Key Takeaways

• Cavaliers of Columbia carries vintage and consignment clothing, accessories, collectibles, and home goods with inventory that changes regularly.
• The shop sources items from local consignors, so what's in stock depends on what people bring in and sell through the store.
• You can find both affordable everyday vintage pieces and higher-end designer items, depending on what's available when you visit.
• The store's location in Columbia makes it accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the city's vintage and secondhand shopping scene.

Types of Items You'll Find

Clothing makes up the bulk of what Cavaliers carries. The vintage section includes pieces from the 1950s through early 2000s, with dresses, jeans, jackets, and blouses at various price points. Men's vintage clothing is also available, including button-ups, sweaters, and outerwear. Accessories like belts, scarves, hats, and jewelry round out the apparel selection.

Beyond clothing, the shop stocks collectibles and home goods. Depending on what consignors have brought in, you might see vintage records, books, decorative items, or furniture. Because inventory is consignment-based, the non-clothing sections can be particularly unpredictable—which is part of the appeal if you enjoy the hunt for one-of-a-kind finds.

How Consignment Works at This Shop

If you have items you'd like to sell through Cavaliers of Columbia, the process starts with bringing them in for evaluation. The shop's staff will look at condition, style, brand, and current demand to decide whether they'll take the items on consignment. Not everything gets accepted—vintage and secondhand shops are selective about what they can realistically sell.

Once your items are accepted, Cavaliers displays them and handles the sales. You don't get paid upfront; instead, you receive a percentage of the sale price when an item sells. The exact percentage and terms may vary, so it's worth asking the staff directly about their current consignment rates and how long they typically hold items before returning unsold goods.

Location and Hours

Cavaliers of Columbia is located in Columbia, South Carolina's capital city. The shop sits within the broader downtown or midtown vintage and consignment shopping area, making it easy to combine a visit with other local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Before heading over, check their current hours, as vintage and consignment shops sometimes adjust their schedules seasonally or based on staffing.

If you're planning a shopping trip, calling ahead or checking their social media can save you a trip—you can ask whether they have specific items in stock or confirm they're open. Many vintage shops in Columbia post inventory updates or special finds on Facebook or Instagram, which is also a good way to see what's currently available.

What to Expect When You Shop

Vintage and consignment shops require a different mindset than regular retail. Inventory is limited and one-of-a-kind, so if you see something you like, it's usually worth buying rather than waiting. Prices are typically lower than new retail, but they vary based on the item's age, condition, brand, and rarity. A basic vintage t-shirt might cost $10 to $20, while a designer piece or rare collectible could be significantly more.

The condition of items varies too. Some pieces are nearly unworn, while others show their age. Most consignment shops note visible wear, stains, or damage, but it's always worth examining items closely before purchasing. If you're new to vintage shopping, staff at Cavaliers can usually answer questions about sizing, fabric, or the era a piece is from.

Tips for Shopping Vintage in Columbia

Visit multiple times if you're looking for something specific. Because inventory is consignment-based and changes constantly, the perfect item might not be there today but could arrive next week. Regular shoppers often develop relationships with staff who can call them when something matching their style or size comes in.

Know your sizing, especially for vintage clothing. Sizing standards have shifted over decades, so a vintage size 10 from the 1980s may fit very differently than a modern size 10. Try things on when possible, and don't hesitate to ask staff about fit or alterations. Many vintage pieces are worth tailoring if they're otherwise perfect.

Bring cash or confirm payment methods ahead of time. While many shops now accept cards, some smaller consignment stores still prefer cash or have minimum card purchases. Knowing this in advance prevents disappointment at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my clothes to Cavaliers of Columbia?

Yes, you can bring items in for the staff to evaluate. They accept consignment from local sellers, though not all items will be taken. Condition, style, and current demand all factor into their decision. Ask about their current consignment terms and how long they hold items before returning unsold goods.

What's the price range for items at Cavaliers?

Prices vary widely depending on the item's age, condition, brand, and rarity. Basic vintage pieces might cost $10 to $30, while designer items or rare collectibles can be significantly more. Consignment shops typically price lower than new retail, but each item is priced individually based on its value.

Do they have a specific era or style focus?

Cavaliers carries vintage from multiple eras and a mix of styles, so there's no single focus. The inventory depends on what consignors bring in, which means you'll find everything from 1950s dresses to 1990s band tees. This variety is part of what makes consignment shops interesting to browse.

Is everything in the shop vintage, or do they carry new items too?

Cavaliers primarily focuses on vintage and consignment goods, though the exact mix depends on what's available. Some consignment shops do carry a small selection of new items, but the bulk of inventory is secondhand. Call ahead if you're looking for something specific to confirm what they currently have.

Can I return items if they don't fit or I change my mind?

Return policies vary by shop. Most vintage and consignment stores have limited or no returns since items are one-of-a-kind and often final sale. Ask about the specific policy before you purchase, and try items on carefully in-store when possible to avoid disappointment.