New Attitude in Columbia: Vintage Clothing and Consignment Shopping

What New Attitude offers and where to find it

New Attitude is a consignment and vintage clothing shop in Columbia that buys, sells, and trades used clothing, shoes, and accessories. The store carries both vintage pieces and contemporary secondhand items, with inventory that shifts regularly as new consignments arrive and items sell. You'll find everything from everyday wear to occasion pieces, often at a fraction of retail prices.

The shop is located in Columbia's midtown area and operates during standard retail hours. Because consignment inventory changes frequently, what you find on one visit may be gone the next, and new stock arrives throughout the week. This makes repeat visits worthwhile if you're hunting for something specific.

Key Takeaways

• New Attitude buys, sells, and trades used clothing and accessories, so you can sell items you no longer wear or trade them for store credit.
• Inventory rotates constantly as new consignments arrive, meaning the selection changes week to week and repeat visits often turn up different pieces.
• Prices are typically lower than retail, and the shop carries both vintage finds and recent secondhand items suitable for different styles and budgets.
• The store accepts items on consignment, meaning you can bring clothing you want to sell and receive payment when it sells rather than upfront.

How consignment works at New Attitude

If you have clothing or accessories you want to sell, New Attitude accepts items on consignment. You bring pieces to the shop, and staff evaluate them based on condition, brand, style, and current demand. Items that fit the store's standards go on the floor with a price tag, and you receive payment once they sell—typically a percentage of the sale price, with the store keeping the remainder as commission.

The consignment process means you don't get paid upfront, but you also don't have to manage the sale yourself. Items typically stay on the floor for a set period (policies vary by shop, so ask when you bring things in). If something doesn't sell within that timeframe, you can usually pick it up or let the store donate or dispose of it according to their standard practice.

What to look for when shopping vintage and consignment

Shopping secondhand requires a different eye than buying new. Check seams, zippers, and hems for damage or wear. Look inside garments for stains, holes, or odors that might not be visible from the outside. Vintage pieces especially may have minor imperfections that add character or require simple repairs—decide whether that matters to you before you buy.

Sizing in vintage clothing often runs smaller or differently than modern sizes, so try things on when possible. Brands from different decades cut differently, and vintage pieces may have been altered by previous owners. Ask staff about the condition of anything you're considering, and don't hesitate to pass on items that don't feel right—the whole point of consignment shopping is finding pieces that work for you at a price that makes sense.

Trading and selling your own items

Beyond consignment, New Attitude typically offers trade options, meaning you can exchange clothing you bring in for store credit toward other purchases. Trade-in value depends on what you're offering and what the shop currently needs. This approach works well if you want to refresh your wardrobe without spending cash—you're essentially swapping pieces you've outgrown or stopped wearing for items the shop has in stock.

Some shoppers use trading as a way to cycle through their closet seasonally, bringing in winter coats when spring arrives and picking up lighter pieces instead. Others use it to test whether they actually wear a style before committing money to it. Ask staff about current trade-in rates and whether certain items or brands are in higher demand at the moment.

Vintage versus contemporary secondhand: what's the difference

Vintage typically refers to clothing from a specific era—often pieces that are at least 20 to 30 years old, though definitions vary. Vintage items carry the aesthetic and construction of their time period and appeal to shoppers looking for authentic period pieces, unique styles no longer in production, or higher-quality garments from when manufacturing standards differed. Vintage pieces often cost more than contemporary secondhand because of their rarity and collectibility.

Contemporary secondhand is recent clothing that's gently used—items from the last few years that someone wore and no longer wants. These pieces are typically cheaper than vintage and closer to current sizing and fit. New Attitude carries both, so you can hunt for a 1970s leather jacket or find last season's brand-name jeans at a discount, depending on what you're after.

Building a secondhand shopping strategy

Successful consignment shopping combines patience with flexibility. Visit regularly so you see new arrivals before popular items sell out. Know your size across different brands and eras, since vintage sizing varies wildly. Set a budget per visit and stick to it—the appeal of low prices can lead to buying things you don't actually need.

Think about what you actually wear before you buy. A beautiful vintage dress is only a good deal if you'll wear it. Consider whether pieces work with what's already in your closet, or whether you'd need to buy other things to make an outfit work. The best secondhand purchases are items that fill a real gap in your wardrobe or replace something you wear out regularly.

Why consignment shopping matters in Columbia

Consignment and vintage shops like New Attitude are part of Columbia's local retail landscape, offering alternatives to chain stores and fast fashion. They support local business owners, give clothing a second life instead of sending it to landfills, and make fashion more affordable for shoppers on different budgets. For students, young professionals, and anyone building a wardrobe on a budget, these shops are practical resources.

Shopping secondhand also means you're more likely to find unique pieces that won't show up on everyone else. Whether you're drawn to vintage aesthetics, looking to spend less, or interested in sustainable shopping practices, consignment stores connect you with pieces that have history and character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition do clothes need to be in to consign at New Attitude?

Items should be clean, undamaged, and in wearable condition. Minor wear is usually acceptable, but significant stains, holes, or broken zippers typically disqualify pieces. Ask staff about their specific standards when you bring items in—policies can vary based on the item and current inventory needs.

How long does it take to get paid for consigned items?

Payment timing depends on when your item sells and the shop's payment schedule. Most consignment shops pay weekly or monthly, so you might wait anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how quickly something sells. Ask about the payment schedule when you drop off your consignment.

Can I return something I bought if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by shop. Some consignment stores offer returns within a certain timeframe if the item is unworn and in original condition; others have no returns since items are sold as-is. Ask about the return policy before you purchase, especially for higher-priced vintage pieces.

What's the difference between vintage and retro clothing?

Vintage is authentic clothing from a past era, typically at least 20 to 30 years old. Retro is new clothing made to look like it's from a past era—it's a modern reproduction of a vintage style. New Attitude carries both, so you can find genuine vintage pieces or newer items with a vintage aesthetic.

Do I need to clean clothes before I consign them?

Yes—bring items clean and ready to wear. Dirty or musty clothing is less likely to be accepted and may lower the consignment value. A simple wash or dry cleaning is worth the effort if you want your items to sell quickly and at a better price.