As Thanksgiving day fades into evening, all thoughts turn to Black Friday. In West Columbia retailers look forward to Christmas shoppers to boost their bottom line. And shoppers are eager to oblige.
“My Black Friday sales already started earlier this week,” said Lainie Lewis, owner of State Street Trading Company at 134 State Street in West Columbia.

At her shop Lewis sells jewelry, antique furniture pottery, paintings, photos, and Christmas ornaments. All of it created by local artisans,” said Lewis.

Earlier, State Street Trading Co. hosted an Adluh Flour art show. From that, Lewis made pillows using Adluh flour sacks from the 1930s and 1940s.

“Those have been good sellers,” said Lewis. The pillows are a favorite for former employees of the business that has existed in Columbia’s Vista for generations.

A close neighbor of State Street Trading is Three Oaks Florist and Interiors. It’s a new business that is open just in time for Christmas at 143 State Street. It’s a floral shop that specializes in modern, contemporary, and traditional floral designs. The shop also offers tropical plants and flowers, and antiques and gift items.

Allison Cooner of West Columbia said she likes to shop all the specially stores of West Columbia. She said The Eclectic House on Sunset Boulevard is a great place to find a unique gift.
“I love their selection,” Cooner said. “It’s certainly a different kind of place to look for gifts. They have

things you won’t find at other places.”

Linda Welton is the owner of The Eclectic House. She has been for 17 years. The shop has jewelry, candles, scarves, sweaters, ornaments. and many other great gift ideas. Much of the business’ revenues will be realized via Christmas sales, beginning on Black Friday.
The Eclectic House carries name brand items, including Vera Bradley, Tyler Candles and other well-known boutique pieces.

Jennifer Jackson said the unique shops in West Columbia, especially those on State and Meeting streets, beckon gift-buyers who want to get out of the cookie-cutter routine.
“In shops like State Street Trading Company and Crafty Cottage you can find one-of-a-kind items that you will not find anywhere else,” said Jackson.
Rianne Travis is from West Columbia. But she is now enrolled at Converse College in Spartanburg. She wants to be a special education teacher. She was back home Tuesday, visiting a Lexington School District Two special education classroom where she served as a teacher cadet when she was a student at Brookland-Cayce High School.  Travis said she will be out shopping on Black Friday.

And West Columbia businesses will be ready to go Friday.
The Crafty Cottage is in a picturesque house that was built in 1911 structure at 831 Meeting St. Tina Floyd manages The Crafty Cottage. It displays the work of 14 different artisans, all local. The store carries LipSense lipstick, handmade soaps and angels made from recycled material.

Some of the unique items at the business include Ms Judy’s hand-crafted figurines, egg-blown art,

paintings and Clemson and Carolina collectibles.

The Crafty Cottage is also a retail venue for artisans with classrooms and space for Christmas parties. Instructional sessions on painting, craft-making and other skills are regularly held at The Crafty Cottage.

A well-known, and established, West Columbia business that increases its sales numbers in the Christmas shopping season is the Old Mill Antique Mall on State Street. Located in the historic River District. The antique mall sells a wide range of antiques, collectibles, and furniture by over 80 dealers; all in the same building.

The Old Mill Antique Mall is owned by Margaret Causey, and it’s been around for more than 30 years. It is billed as one of the best places for holiday shopping. Milk glass and ceramic Christmas trees are popular items sold for the season.

If you want to go big for a Christmas gift, shop Fred Anderson Toyota in West Columbia The new car dealership is conducting a Black Friday sale, and advertises several discounts for the season.
Regardless of your tastes, West Columbia offers a special shopping experience for unique items that are sure to impress the recipient.