Shopping at Etcetera International: What to Expect from South Carolina's Closeout Warehouse

Etcetera International is a wholesale store chain selling closeout merchandise and overstock inventory

Etcetera International operates as a discount wholesale retailer, meaning it buys surplus inventory, overstock, and closeout goods from other retailers and manufacturers, then sells them at reduced prices. The store model depends on what merchandise arrives at the warehouse—you might find name-brand clothing one week, housewares the next, or seasonal items at steep markdowns. Prices are typically 30 to 70 percent below retail, though the selection changes constantly because stock is not replenished in the traditional sense.

South Carolina has Etcetera International locations in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The stores operate on a cash-and-carry basis, meaning you pay at checkout and take your purchases with you—no shipping, no layaway, no returns once you leave the building. This model keeps overhead low and passes savings to shoppers, but it also means the experience is different from a conventional department store or discount chain.

Key Takeaways

• Etcetera International sells overstock and closeout merchandise from name brands at discounts of 30 to 70 percent, with inventory that changes weekly.
• Stock varies by location and arrival date, so the same item is unlikely to be in stock at two different times or stores.
• The store operates on a cash-and-carry basis with no returns, exchanges, or refunds after purchase.
• Shopping early in the week or right after new merchandise arrives gives you the best selection, though popular items sell quickly.
• Bring cash or a debit card, as payment methods may be limited compared to other retailers.

What kinds of merchandise you will find

Etcetera International carries a rotating mix of apparel, footwear, home goods, seasonal items, and occasionally electronics or sporting equipment. Because the store buys closeout lots, you might find designer jeans next to kitchen appliances, or winter coats alongside bedding. The brands are legitimate—the merchandise is not damaged or counterfeit—but it arrived at the warehouse because a retailer overordered, a season ended, or a manufacturer had excess production.

Clothing and shoes make up a large portion of inventory at most locations. You will see men's, women's, and children's apparel, often from recognizable brands. Home goods include cookware, bedding, towels, and decorative items. Seasonal merchandise—holiday decorations, summer gear, winter clothing—appears and disappears based on what the warehouse receives. Prices are marked clearly, and most items are final sale, meaning the discount reflects the no-return policy.

How to shop efficiently at Etcetera International

Because inventory turns over constantly, timing matters. New merchandise typically arrives on specific days—ask staff when shipments come in—and popular items sell within hours. Shopping early in the week or immediately after a new shipment gives you the widest selection. If you are looking for something specific, call ahead to ask if it is currently in stock, though staff may not be able to hold items.

Bring cash or a debit card. Some locations accept credit cards, but payment methods vary by store, so confirming before you shop saves frustration. Inspect items carefully before checkout—seams, zippers, stains, and missing buttons are common reasons merchandise ends up in closeout lots. The store does not accept returns, so what you buy is what you keep. Many shoppers bring a reusable bag or plan for how they will carry purchases, since the store does not always provide bags.

Sizes and colors are often limited in any given item, and you may not find your exact size or preferred shade. This is part of the closeout model—the store buys what is available, not what a customer requests. Patience and flexibility pay off; if you are willing to try different brands or styles, you will find better deals than if you are hunting for one specific thing.

Locations in South Carolina

Etcetera International has stores in Columbia and the Charleston area, though exact addresses and hours change. Before visiting, search online for the current location nearest you or call ahead to confirm the store is open. Hours are typically weekday and weekend business hours, but some locations may have limited Sunday hours or close on certain days.

Staff can tell you when new merchandise arrives and what categories are currently well-stocked. Calling ahead also lets you confirm whether the store has a particular type of merchandise in stock, though inventory moves quickly and availability can shift day to day. Getting the phone number and hours from an online search before you drive ensures you do not make a wasted trip.

Comparing Etcetera International to other discount retailers

Etcetera International differs from stores like TJ Maxx or Ross Dress for Less in one key way: those chains buy overstock from department stores and brand outlets, but they maintain regular inventory systems and accept returns. Etcetera International's model is closer to a liquidation warehouse—the merchandise is genuine, but the selection is more unpredictable and the no-return policy is stricter. You will often find deeper discounts at Etcetera International, but you sacrifice the ability to return items if they do not fit or meet your expectations.

Compared to thrift stores, Etcetera International sells new merchandise at lower prices, though thrift stores may have lower per-item costs on used goods. Compared to outlet malls, Etcetera International offers more variety and steeper discounts, but less consistency in what is available. The choice depends on whether you value selection and return options (department stores, TJ Maxx) or the deepest possible discount on new merchandise (Etcetera International).

What to know about the no-return policy

Etcetera International's final-sale model means you cannot return or exchange items after you leave the store. This policy exists because the store buys merchandise at such steep discounts that accepting returns would eliminate the profit margin. Before you buy, examine the item for defects, check that all pieces are present, and make sure the size and fit work for you. If you are unsure about a purchase, leave it on the shelf rather than buying it and hoping to return it later.

Some items may have manufacturer defects—a zipper that does not work, a seam that is coming apart—and these are why the merchandise ended up in a closeout lot in the first place. The store does not warrant that items are perfect; it warrants only that they are authentic and new. If you find a significant defect after purchase, you can try contacting the store manager, but do not expect a refund. The discount you received at checkout is the trade-off for accepting items as-is.

Tips for finding the best deals

Shop during off-peak hours—early morning or midweek—when you have time to browse without crowds and before popular items sell out. Ask staff which categories received new shipments recently; those sections will have the freshest selection. Look for items with minor cosmetic issues—a slightly bent box, a missing hang tag—that do not affect the product itself; these are often marked down further. Check clearance sections at the back of the store, where the deepest discounts are usually found.

Sign up for any in-store mailing list or text alerts if the store offers them; some locations notify regular shoppers when specific categories arrive. Compare prices mentally to what you would pay at a department store or online retailer to confirm the discount is real. Remember that the appeal of Etcetera International is the hunt—if you enjoy browsing and finding unexpected bargains, you will get more value from a visit than if you are looking for one specific item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something if it does not fit or if I change my mind?

No. Etcetera International operates on a final-sale, no-return basis. Once you leave the store, you own the item. This policy is why prices are so low. Before you buy, try items on if possible and inspect them carefully for defects or damage.

Does Etcetera International accept credit cards or only cash?

Payment methods vary by location. Some stores accept credit cards, while others prefer cash or debit. Call ahead or ask at the register when you arrive to confirm what payment options are available at your local store.

When does new merchandise arrive?

Shipment days vary by location and are not always predictable, since the store buys whatever closeout lots are available. Ask staff when you visit or call; they can tell you the typical arrival days for your store, though exact timing may shift week to week.

Are the items at Etcetera International authentic or are they seconds?

The merchandise is authentic and new, not counterfeit or damaged goods. Items are in closeout lots because retailers overordered, seasons ended, or manufacturers had excess stock. Some items may have minor cosmetic imperfections, which is why they ended up at a discount warehouse, but they are genuine products from real brands.

Is it worth visiting if I am looking for a specific item?

Probably not. Etcetera International's inventory is unpredictable, and the same item is unlikely to be in stock at two different times. The store works best if you enjoy browsing and are flexible about what you buy. If you need something specific, a traditional retailer or online store is a better choice.