Ageless Vintage Opens Its Doors in Columbia
Columbia, SC — In the heart of Columbia, a new venture has emerged that is sure to tickle the fancy of vintage enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike. Ageless Vintage, a vibrant shoe and clothing store, opened its doors on October 26, 2024, at 1727 Harden St. Just a stone’s throw from the bustling Five Points area, this brick-and-mortar shop is the culmination of a dream that started as a simple high school hobby for one of its owners.
The passion behind Ageless Vintage stems from Anton Outing, who began his journey into the world of footwear by buying and selling shoes on eBay while still in school. Together with his friends and business partners, Brian Felder and Tristan Clarke, the trio bonded over their shared love of stylish kicks, and with a nudge from Felder and Clarke, Outing expanded his horizons to include vintage clothing and streetwear. “I started with shoes… trading them at school, and that just naturally progressed,” Outing reminisced about his beginnings.
The Road to Opening
Before landing their permanent location, Outing, Felder, and Clarke had set up temporary pop-up markets across the city. These pop-ups were held at local hotspots like Steel Hands Brewing and Columbia Craft, attracting a loyal customer base eager for vintage finds. Soon, they realized the demand for a more permanent space. With a location now firmly established outside of Five Points, which is thriving as a walkable retail hub, Ageless Vintage is perfectly poised to capture the attention of local college students and vintage lovers alike.
The decision to open a brick-and-mortar shop comes at a time when pop-up retail is gaining traction. According to Outing, many of their customers were frequently asking about a permanent store, prompting the trio to take the leap. “We wanted to create a space where people could shop on a daily basis instead of just at those occasional weekend pop-ups,” he added.
Part of a Growing Scene
Ageless Vintage joins a growing community of vintage stores that have recently appeared in Columbia. The past few years have seen the openings of boutiques like Pannerpete Vintage and Strange Times Vintage nearby, contributing to the city’s vibrant retail scene. Additionally, exciting news is on the horizon as former Gamecock basketball star A’ja Wilson has plans to debut her own shoe brand storefront in Five Points by 2025.
The success of these local businesses is further propelled by initiatives like Made with Cola Love, a small business incubator that has provided valuable resources and funding to aspiring entrepreneurs. Local pop-ups like the coffee shop Godspeed, which popped up in collaboration with Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, highlight the growing trend of short-term retail ventures blossoming in the city.
What to Expect at Ageless Vintage
At Ageless Vintage, shoppers can expect a delightful variety of vintage clothing and stylish kicks that celebrate both nostalgia and trendy styles. While the new store will serve as a permanent retail location, the owners plan to continue participating in local pop-up markets across cities like Greenville and Charleston, ensuring that their brand stays dynamic and engaged with the wider community.
If you’re keen to check out Ageless Vintage, they’re open Sunday and Monday from noon to 6 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. You can find more updates and peek at their offerings on Instagram @ageless.sc. With the unique flair and heartfelt story behind Ageless Vintage, it’s definitely a must-visit for anyone in the Columbia area!
