That's Karma: A Consignment Shop in Columbia for Vintage Clothing and Decor

What That's Karma is and where to find it

That's Karma is a consignment shop in Columbia that carries vintage clothing, accessories, and home décor. The shop buys and sells secondhand items on consignment, meaning the original owner receives a portion of the sale price when their item sells. You'll find clothing from different eras, jewelry, furniture, and decorative pieces—the inventory changes regularly because new items arrive as others sell.

The shop is located in the Five Points neighborhood of Columbia, a walkable area with other independent retailers, restaurants, and cafes nearby. Five Points has become a hub for vintage and locally-owned shopping, so you can browse multiple consignment and thrift options in one trip if you want to compare what's available.

Key Takeaways

• That's Karma operates on consignment, so inventory rotates frequently and you may find different items each visit.
• The shop carries vintage clothing across multiple decades, plus jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings.
• Five Points is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood where you can park once and visit several vintage and independent shops.
• Consignment shops typically price items lower than retail but higher than thrift stores, reflecting the age and condition of the piece.

What to expect when you visit

Consignment shops organize inventory differently than traditional retail stores. Items are usually grouped by type—clothing by category, home goods in a separate section—rather than by size or brand. Browsing takes time because you're looking through individual pieces rather than rows of identical items. Bring a friend if you enjoy the social aspect of thrifting, or go alone if you prefer to take your time without pressure.

The condition and price of items varies widely. A vintage dress from the 1970s might be in excellent condition or show wear; the price reflects that difference. Staff can usually tell you about an item's history or condition if you ask. Try things on before you buy, just as you would in any clothing store, to make sure the fit and condition meet your expectations.

How consignment pricing works

Consignment shops price items based on their age, condition, brand, and current demand for that style. A well-preserved vintage coat from a recognizable designer will cost more than a generic sweater from the same era. Prices are typically lower than you'd pay for new clothing at a department store, but higher than you'd find at a thrift store, because consignment shops curate their inventory and the original owner receives payment when the item sells.

Some consignment shops offer discounts on items that have been in the store for a certain length of time without selling. Ask staff whether That's Karma runs sales or markdowns on older inventory. This can be a way to find deeper discounts if you're flexible about what you're looking for.

Selling your own items on consignment

If you have vintage or gently used clothing and home goods you want to sell, That's Karma may accept them on consignment. The process typically involves bringing items in, having staff evaluate them for condition and marketability, and signing a consignment agreement that outlines how long the shop will hold the items and what percentage you'll receive when they sell. Not everything will be accepted—shops are selective about condition and style to maintain their inventory quality.

Before you bring items in, check That's Karma's website or call ahead to ask what they're currently looking for and what their consignment terms are. This saves you a trip if your items don't fit their current needs. Keep in mind that consignment is slower than selling outright—you're paid only when the item sells, which can take weeks or months depending on demand.

Visiting Five Points for vintage shopping

Five Points is a neighborhood worth exploring beyond That's Karma. The area has multiple consignment and vintage shops within walking distance, so you can compare inventory and prices across several stores. The neighborhood also has independent coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing and eating without leaving the area.

Parking is available on the street and in small lots throughout Five Points. The neighborhood is walkable, so once you park, you can move between shops on foot. Visit on a weekend if you prefer a busier atmosphere, or on a weekday if you like quieter browsing. The area draws a mix of locals and visitors, so you'll see different crowds depending on when you go.

What vintage means in consignment shops

Vintage doesn't have a single definition—different shops use the term differently. Some consider anything more than 20 years old vintage; others start at 30 or 40 years. That's Karma likely carries items from multiple decades, so you might find 1970s pieces next to 1990s clothing. The shop may also carry newer secondhand items that aren't technically vintage but fit the aesthetic or quality level of the store.

If you're looking for a specific era or style, ask staff what time periods are currently in stock. They can point you toward sections that match what you're hunting for, whether that's mid-century modern furniture, 1980s band tees, or Victorian-era jewelry.

Planning your visit

Check That's Karma's hours before you go, as independent shops sometimes adjust their schedule seasonally or for special events. The shop's inventory changes regularly, so if you're looking for something specific, you might need to visit more than once or ask staff to keep an eye out for items matching your description.

Bring cash or a card—most consignment shops accept both, but it's worth confirming. If you're selling items on consignment, bring them clean and in the condition you want them displayed. Staff will evaluate them on the spot and let you know whether they'll accept them and what terms apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment to shop at That's Karma?

Most consignment shops operate as walk-in retail stores, so you typically don't need an appointment to browse. However, if you're bringing in a large number of items to sell on consignment, calling ahead to ask whether staff can evaluate them that day is a good idea. This ensures someone is available to give your items proper attention.

What condition do items need to be in to sell on consignment?

Consignment shops generally accept items that are clean, undamaged, and in wearable or usable condition. Stains, tears, missing buttons, or broken zippers usually disqualify items. Ask That's Karma specifically what their condition standards are before you bring items in, since policies vary by shop.

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

You're paid only when an item sells, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on demand and how long the shop keeps unsold items. Most consignment agreements specify a holding period—often 60 to 90 days—after which unsold items are returned to you or donated. Ask about That's Karma's timeline when you sign the agreement.

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

Return policies vary by shop. Some consignment stores offer returns within a certain number of days if the item is unworn and in the same condition you bought it; others don't accept returns at all. Ask about That's Karma's return policy before you check out, so you know what your options are if the fit or condition isn't what you expected.

Is everything in the shop actually vintage, or do they carry newer secondhand items too?

Most consignment shops carry a mix of vintage and newer secondhand pieces. The exact mix depends on what consignors bring in and what the shop's owner chooses to accept. That's Karma likely has items from multiple decades and price points, so you'll find both true vintage pieces and more recent secondhand clothing and décor.