Simply Vintage in Charleston: What to Expect When You Shop There

Simply Vintage is a consignment shop in downtown Charleston that sells clothing, accessories, and home goods from past decades

Simply Vintage occupies a storefront in Charleston's historic district and focuses on mid-century and vintage pieces—clothing from the 1950s through 1980s, handbags, jewelry, and occasional furniture. The shop operates on consignment, meaning the owner takes pieces on behalf of sellers and splits the proceeds when items sell. As a buyer, you're shopping inventory that rotates regularly because consignment stock moves in and out based on what people bring in and what customers purchase.

The shop's appeal lies in the specificity of its era focus. You won't find a broad mix of decades; the inventory skews toward recognizable vintage periods rather than random old things. Prices reflect consignment economics—lower than a vintage boutique that owns its stock outright, but higher than thrift stores, because the pieces are curated and the consignor takes a cut.

Key Takeaways

• Simply Vintage stocks clothing and accessories primarily from the 1950s through 1980s, with inventory that changes as consignment pieces sell and new ones arrive.
• Consignment pricing sits between thrift stores and vintage boutiques, because the shop splits revenue with the person who brought the item in.
• The shop is located in downtown Charleston, making it walkable as part of a larger shopping or sightseeing trip through the historic district.
• Consignment inventory means popular sizes and styles can sell quickly, so visiting regularly increases your chances of finding specific pieces.

What kinds of items you'll find

The shop carries clothing organized by era and type—dresses, blouses, pants, and coats from the decades it focuses on. Accessories include vintage handbags (leather and structured styles from the 1960s and 1970s are common), costume and fine jewelry, scarves, and belts. Home goods rotate but typically include smaller decorative pieces, serving ware, and occasional furniture that fits the mid-century aesthetic.

Because inventory is consignment-based, you might find a pristine 1960s Chanel-style jacket one week and nothing in that style the next. This unpredictability is part of the appeal for collectors and people hunting for specific eras, but it means you can't count on finding a particular item or size on any given visit. The shop does not maintain a website listing current stock, so browsing in person is the only way to see what's available.

How consignment pricing works

Consignment shops price items based on condition, rarity, and current demand for that era or style. A well-preserved 1970s dress might be priced higher than a 1950s piece in the same condition if 1970s fashion is trending. Prices are typically marked on tags, and unlike some consignment shops, Simply Vintage does not negotiate—the price shown is the asking price.

Because the shop splits revenue with the consignor, prices are generally lower than a vintage boutique that owns its inventory outright. However, they're higher than thrift store prices because the pieces are selected for quality and era authenticity rather than sold by the pound. Budget roughly $20 to $60 for most clothing items, with accessories and smaller pieces ranging from $5 to $30, though rare or designer pieces can exceed that range.

Location and visiting hours

Simply Vintage is located in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of King Street, the Market Hall area, and other historic district shops and restaurants. The downtown location makes it easy to combine a visit with other activities—browsing nearby galleries, eating lunch, or exploring the neighborhood's architecture and history.

Hours vary seasonally and by day of the week, as is common for smaller consignment shops. Before visiting, confirm current hours by calling ahead or checking the shop's social media, as consignment businesses sometimes adjust staffing based on foot traffic and seasonal tourism patterns. The shop is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Tips for shopping consignment vintage

Consignment inventory moves quickly, especially popular sizes and recognizable designer pieces. If you find something you like, buying it that day is safer than waiting—the same item may not be there on your next visit. Conversely, if you're looking for a specific era or style, visiting multiple times over several weeks increases your odds of finding what you want as new consignment arrives.

Inspect pieces carefully before purchasing. Consignment shops vary in how thoroughly they check for damage, stains, or wear. Look at seams, zippers, and fabric condition. Ask the staff about any flaws they've noted—most will tell you if they're aware of issues. Vintage clothing often has minor wear that's part of its character, but you should know what you're buying.

Bring cash or confirm payment methods ahead of time. Many smaller consignment shops in Charleston accept both, but some have card minimums or prefer cash. Knowing this before you shop saves frustration at checkout.

How Simply Vintage fits into Charleston's vintage and consignment scene

Charleston has a strong vintage and consignment market, with shops scattered across downtown and nearby neighborhoods. Simply Vintage distinguishes itself through its era focus—it's not a general consignment store mixing all decades and styles, but rather a curated space for mid-century and vintage pieces. This appeals to people hunting for specific eras, whether for personal style, home décor, or collecting.

The shop also reflects Charleston's broader culture of preserving and celebrating the past. The city's architecture, history, and tourism economy all center on historical periods and aesthetics, and vintage shopping fits naturally into that landscape. For visitors exploring Charleston's historic district, Simply Vintage offers a way to take home an authentic piece of a past era rather than mass-produced souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell items to Simply Vintage?

Yes, the shop accepts consignment. Bring clean, vintage pieces in good condition. The owner will assess whether items fit the shop's era and style focus. If accepted, you'll sign a consignment agreement, and the shop will split the sale price with you when the item sells. Unsold items are typically held for a set period before being returned to you.

What if I find a stain or damage after I buy something?

Return policies vary by shop. Simply Vintage's specific return policy should be confirmed at the time of purchase—ask the staff before you leave. Most consignment shops have limited or no returns because items are sold as-is, but it's worth asking about their process if you discover an issue once you're home.

Do they have online shopping or a mailing list?

Simply Vintage does not maintain an online store or regularly updated inventory list. The shop operates primarily as a walk-in retail space. Following their social media accounts may alert you to new arrivals or special pieces, but browsing in person is the main way to shop their selection.

Is Simply Vintage good for finding specific sizes or styles?

Consignment inventory is unpredictable, so you can't count on finding a specific size or style on any given visit. However, if you visit regularly over weeks or months, you'll see a wider range of what comes through. Vintage sizing also differs from modern sizing, so bring your measurements and try things on when possible.

What's the difference between Simply Vintage and other Charleston consignment shops?

Simply Vintage focuses specifically on mid-century and vintage pieces from the 1950s through 1980s, rather than mixing all eras and styles. This makes it a better fit if you're hunting for a particular decade's aesthetic. Other consignment shops in Charleston may carry broader ranges, newer items, or different price points—visiting a few helps you find which matches your shopping style.