Lexington County antique stores
Old is new again.
South Carolina has long been a magnet for antique lovers. With its history stretching back to colonial times, and the influx of people moving here yearly, vintage shops and antique malls attract every age of customer, looking for something old or something cool.
“Business has been very good,” said Scott Anderson, one of the owners of Three Rivers Antiques.
Another reason is the emergence of grand millennial style on social media. Younger customers are searching for “granny chic” items like floral prints, lace and doilies, and solid wood furniture. Indeed, the market for thrifting is hot. The second-hand market is expected to grow almost 10 percent annually, driven by consumer interest in recycling and thrifting, along with a new desire for classic luxury brands at lower prices.
There are plenty of choices for antiquing in Lexington County, in old warehouses and buildings that tell the history of the area. You don’t have to be an expert in 18th century furniture or know everything about comic books to browse successfully. “Vintage markets or shops are one of the best places to find collectibles at a reasonable price,” said Farmhouse Antiques manager Sandi Hutchison.
And just because they’re called antique doesn’t mean you can’t find something new there. Booths filled with handmade items, art, pottery, and clothing await you at any of the half dozen shops in the county. Many also sell local goods, a great gift for any visitor.
Here’s a look at just some of the shops ready for browsing and buying.
Old Mill Antique Mall is one of the oldest remaining antique stores in the county, open since 1984.
Located in the historic river district, the building began as the Lexington Manufacturing Company, using the power from Twelvemile Creek to produce cotton goods such as mattress covers or red cloth for prison uniforms.
There’s a wide mix of furniture, china, cookware, pottery, and just about anything you need. One customer — an artist — found the top of a parking meter to use for an upcoming sculpture project, said owner Margaret Causey, who took over the mall from her mother 34 years ago. “There’s such a variety that I don’t see how anybody can go through the store and not see something they like.”
The mall has an average of 75 vendors, and sells both items considered more than 100 years old and collectibles that are from this century. “I tell them, it’s a matter of what you like,” Causey shared. “If it’s five years old or 500 years old, if you like it, then get it.”
Ivy House Antiques has two locations with about 140 vendors. The Lexington location opened in 2023 in a building that was once a furniture warehouse.
Ivy House is “not your mom’s antique mall,” said owner Ruth Rauch. “We’re not your grands’ antique mall.” Rauch calls the vendors who rent space at Ivy House her best customers. Often, when someone comes in to fluff their booth, they’ll buy a shirt or earrings, or some candles. “It’s just really neat to see that aspect of our vendors supporting each other,” Rauch said.
“Our goal is to have something for everyone. We have a vendor who sells faith-based jewelry, we have local artists, we have vendors who sell clothes. We have vendors who like to upcycle furniture,” she said.
Rauch was once one of two owners of a commercial sign and lighting company but needed to find a creative outlet. Visiting an antique mall, she got the bug and became a vendor before buying the business. One of the more unusual pieces she sold was an old cigar display case, which had the original stickers on it. “I swear you can still smell the cigars inside,” she said.
Farmhouse Antiques will be celebrating its 18th year in business in July.
Opened by Sam and Teresa Salmon and continued after Teresa passed in 2021, her legacy continues with a sign greeting shoppers at the door: Enter as strangers and leave as friends.
The small vintage market has nine vendors. Some of the vendors hold small craft classes at Farmhouse. Learn macrame, wreath making, decoupage, or cross stitch, which are held throughout the year. On Feb. 26, take a tote bag decorating class. “We often get newcomers because they’re looking for a way to meet other people,” manager Sandi Hutchison said.
Three Rivers Antiques in West Columbia is housed in a delightfully decorated blue house along Meeting Street.
Co-owner Scott Anderson has run the place for more than 10 years with his wife, Ruth. Relocating from the Poconos in Pennsylvania, Anderson tried retirement but decided to take up running an antique store again. The place has more than 38 vendors.
“We have anything from high-class to collectibles that aren’t worth a small fortune. You name it: books, just about anything you can think of,” Anderson said.