What to Expect at Old Skool Outfitter in Columbia

Old Skool Outfitter carries vintage and used clothing, gear, and collectibles in downtown Columbia

Old Skool Outfitter is a consignment shop located in Columbia's downtown district that specializes in vintage clothing, outdoor gear, and collectible items. The store buys, sells, and trades used merchandise across multiple categories—everything from 1970s and 1980s apparel to camping equipment, band merchandise, and vintage accessories. If you're looking for a specific era or style, the inventory rotates regularly as new consignments arrive and items sell.

The shop operates as a traditional consignment model, meaning local sellers bring in items and the store handles the sale. This setup keeps prices lower than new retail while giving previous owners a way to recoup some cost. The mix of inventory means you might find a vintage Carhartt jacket one week and rare outdoor boots the next.

Key Takeaways

• Old Skool Outfitter buys, sells, and trades used vintage clothing, outdoor gear, and collectibles in downtown Columbia.
• The store accepts consignments from local sellers, so inventory changes frequently and prices reflect used or vintage condition.
• Shopping here works best if you visit regularly or call ahead about specific items, since popular pieces move quickly.
• The shop carries multiple decades of styles, from 1970s and 1980s apparel to contemporary vintage finds and outdoor equipment.

What kinds of items you'll find there

The store's inventory spans vintage clothing from multiple decades, with particular strength in 1970s and 1980s pieces. You'll find jeans, jackets, band t-shirts, and casual wear alongside more formal vintage items. The outdoor gear section includes used camping equipment, hiking boots, backpacks, and technical clothing—useful if you're outfitting yourself for a trip without paying full retail.

Beyond clothing and gear, Old Skool Outfitter stocks collectibles like vintage records, concert merchandise, and accessories. The exact mix depends on what consignors bring in, so the shop feels different on each visit. Items are typically priced lower than new retail but reflect their used or vintage condition—wear, fading, or minor damage is normal and reflected in the price.

How consignment works if you want to sell

If you have vintage or gently used clothing and gear you want to sell, you can bring items to the shop and discuss consignment terms directly with the staff. The store takes a percentage of the sale price, and you receive payment once an item sells. Consignment periods vary, so ask the staff how long they'll hold items before returning unsold merchandise.

Items that don't fit the store's focus—very worn pieces, items with significant damage, or things outside their category—may be declined. The staff can tell you on the spot whether they're interested. Bringing items during slower hours gives you time to discuss what sells well and what condition items need to be in.

Location and visiting the shop

Old Skool Outfitter is located in downtown Columbia, making it accessible if you're already exploring the area's restaurants, galleries, and other shops. Street parking is available nearby, and the shop occupies a storefront with visible window displays. Hours vary seasonally, so calling ahead or checking their social media before your visit prevents a wasted trip.

The shop's downtown location means it's walkable from other vintage and consignment stores if you're making a shopping day of it. Many visitors combine a trip to Old Skool Outfitter with lunch or browsing nearby boutiques and antique dealers.

What to know before you shop

Inventory moves quickly, especially popular sizes and recognizable vintage brands. If you spot something you want, buying it the same day is safer than assuming it will still be there next week. The store doesn't typically hold items without payment, so bring cash or card if you find something you like.

Vintage and used items come with their history—seams may be slightly loose, colors may have faded, or zippers might be stiff. That's part of the appeal for many shoppers and part of why prices are lower. If you need items in perfect condition, ask the staff about their grading system or look for pieces they describe as "like new."

The shop accepts trades as well as cash sales, so if you have vintage items you want to exchange for store credit, ask the staff about their trade-in process. Trade values depend on condition and current demand, so bring items in good shape if you want the best offer.

Nearby shopping and dining in downtown Columbia

Old Skool Outfitter sits within walking distance of other vintage, consignment, and antique shops, making downtown Columbia a destination for secondhand and collectible hunting. The area also has coffee shops, casual restaurants, and galleries, so you can easily spend an afternoon browsing multiple stores and grabbing food between stops.

The Five Points neighborhood, just a short drive away, has additional vintage and thrift options if you want to expand your search. Many visitors make a circuit of several shops in a single outing, comparing prices and inventory across locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call ahead or can I just walk in?

You can walk in during posted hours, but calling ahead is a good idea if you're looking for something specific or want to confirm they're open. Hours vary seasonally and by day, so a quick call saves a trip if you're coming from across town.

What condition do items need to be in if I want to consign them?

Items should be clean and wearable or usable, with no major damage like large tears or broken zippers. Minor wear is normal and expected for vintage pieces. The staff can assess your items in person and let you know what they can accept.

Are prices negotiable?

Prices are typically set by the consignment agreement or the store's pricing, but it doesn't hurt to ask about bundle deals if you're buying multiple items. Staff may have some flexibility, especially on items that have been in stock for a while.

Do you buy items outright, or only take consignments?

Old Skool Outfitter buys, sells, and trades, so you have options depending on what works for you. If you want immediate payment rather than waiting for an item to sell, ask the staff about their buy prices for items they're interested in.

What's the best time to visit if I want the widest selection?

Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded, giving you time to browse without competition. New consignments arrive regularly, so visiting on different days increases your chances of finding something new.