BOPs

For residents across South Carolina, particularly those in Columbia, finding unique, high-quality products that also align with a desire to support local and diverse businesses can be a meaningful shopping experience. In the vibrant community of Columbia, BOPs stands out as a pioneering department store, offering a refreshing and impactful approach to retail. This isn't just another place to shop; it's a dedicated platform celebrating the innovation and creativity of Black entrepreneurs.

BOPs, which stands for "Black-owned products," is a groundbreaking department store located in Columbia, SC. Opened in November 2022 by owner Layla Sewell, BOPs was born from a mission to "create a tangible shopping experience where black businesses are supported and where black people are celebrated." Unlike traditional department stores that carry a wide range of brands without a specific focus on ownership, every product at BOPs is sourced exclusively from Black-owned companies. This commitment not only provides a unique shopping environment but also directly contributes to economic empowerment within the community.

The store offers a diverse array of merchandise, encompassing categories typically found in a department store, but with a crucial distinction in its sourcing. From personal care items like the highly praised "eczema bundle" to cleaning supplies, clothing, and home decor, BOPs ensures that customers can find everyday essentials and special treats while knowing they are supporting Black creatives and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, there's a strong emphasis on offering non-toxic and eco-friendly options, particularly within their cleaning, hygiene, and beauty product lines. For locals in South Carolina, BOPs represents a place where conscious consumerism meets quality products and a celebratory atmosphere. It's truly a one-of-a-kind establishment fostering community and economic growth.

BOPs is conveniently located in Columbia, South Carolina, situated at 2222 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA. This address places it within the NoMa Warehouse, which is a notable creative co-working community and hub for artists and creators in Columbia. Sumter Street is a significant thoroughfare, making the store relatively easy to access for residents from various parts of the city.

Being housed within the NoMa Warehouse suggests a dynamic and engaging environment, often characterized by other creative businesses and a lively atmosphere. Parking in the vicinity of Sumter Street is typically available, whether on the street or in designated lots for the warehouse, contributing to the convenience for shoppers. The central location within Columbia's creative scene makes BOPs not just a retail destination but also a part of a larger community focused on innovation and local talent. For those in South Carolina, particularly in Columbia, finding BOPs is straightforward, allowing for an easy visit to explore its unique offerings and support local entrepreneurship. The store's operating hours are Wednesday-Thursday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, though it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

BOPs functions as a unique department store, offering a variety of retail services with a specific focus on products from Black-owned businesses. Their services primarily revolve around providing a comprehensive shopping experience:

• Retail Sales of Diverse Products: Offering a wide range of items, including:
  • Skincare & Personal Care: Featuring highly praised items like the "eczema bundle," alongside other cosmetics, hygiene products, and oral care.
  • Cleaning Supplies: A selection of eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning solutions for the home.
  • Clothing & Accessories: Various apparel options for different styles and needs.
  • Home Decor & Household Essentials: Items to furnish and enhance living spaces.
  • Variety/Miscellaneous: Including unique items like condoms, suggesting a broad and inclusive product range.
• Showcasing Black Creatives/Entrepreneurs: Their primary mission is to provide a "tangible shopping experience" where products from Black businesses are readily accessible, fostering support and celebration of these ventures.
• Curated Selection: While diverse, the inventory is carefully chosen to offer "finest and quality varieties of products that are affordable and sustainable."
• In-Store Shopping Experience: Providing a physical space for customers to browse, touch, and purchase products directly.
• Community Engagement: As part of the NoMa Warehouse, BOPs likely contributes to the overall community-focused atmosphere, potentially participating in or hosting events that align with their mission.

BOPs in Columbia, SC, stands out with several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling and unique destination for local shoppers in South Carolina:

• Exclusive Focus on Black-Owned Businesses: The most significant highlight is that every product in the store is sourced from Black-owned companies. This provides a direct avenue for customers to support Black creatives and entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment and celebrating cultural richness.
• Diverse Product Range: Despite its specific focus, BOPs offers a wide array of "department store items," including clothing, personal care products (like the highly effective "eczema bundle"), cleaning supplies, and home decor. This ensures there is "honestly something for everyone."
• Quality and Sustainability: The store aims to offer "the finest and quality varieties of products that are affordable and sustainable," with a particular emphasis on non-toxic and eco-friendly options within their cleaning, hygiene, and beauty products.
• Impactful Shopping Experience: Customers describe the experience as one where you "really can’t go wrong shopping here," indicating a high level of satisfaction and trust in the products and the store's mission.
• Community-Oriented Mission: Owner Layla Sewell's vision to "create a tangible shopping experience where black businesses are supported and where black people are celebrated" drives the store's ethos, making it more than just a retail space.
• Location within NoMa Warehouse: Being housed in a creative co-working community adds to the store's unique appeal, potentially exposing customers to other local artists and creators, and fostering a vibrant atmosphere.

As a unique, mission-driven department store focusing on Black-owned products, BOPs may engage in promotions that align with their values and goals. While specific, regularly advertised promotions are not extensively detailed in the provided information, locals in Columbia, SC, might find the following types of offers at BOPs:

• Product Spotlights/Features: Highlighting specific Black-owned brands or popular products with temporary discounts to encourage discovery and trial. The "eczema bundle" being a recurring purchase suggests a product that might be featured or offered at a special price sometimes.
• Seasonal or Holiday Sales: Like many retailers, BOPs may offer special promotions around major holidays (e.g., Juneteenth, Black History Month, Christmas) or seasonal changes, providing opportunities to purchase unique gifts or refresh home essentials.
• In-Store Promotions: Discounts or special deals that are exclusively available to visitors who shop in person, encouraging foot traffic and direct engagement.
• Collaborative Events/Pop-ups: As part of the NoMa Warehouse, BOPs might participate in or host special events, workshops, or pop-ups that could include exclusive discounts for attendees. The NoMa Warehouse itself hosts workshops, pop-ups, classes, and The NoMa Flea, which could provide avenues for special offers.
• Loyalty Programs: Some independent or specialized stores offer loyalty programs that reward repeat customers with discounts or exclusive access to new products. It's always worth inquiring about such programs in-store.
• New Brand Introduction Offers: Discounts or special bundles when new Black-owned brands are introduced to the store, encouraging customers to explore the expanded inventory.

To stay fully informed about any current or upcoming special offers, Columbia residents are highly encouraged to visit BOPs in person at 2222 Sumter St, check their official website (if available), or follow their social media channels for direct announcements. Engaging with the store directly is often the best way to uncover current deals and support their impactful mission.

For residents of Columbia, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas looking to connect with BOPs for their unique shopping needs, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 2222 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
• Phone: (803) 931-3470 (This number is associated with NoMa Warehouse, where BOPs is located, and is likely the best point of contact for store-related inquiries.)

Please note that while the initial information did not provide a phone number, searches indicate that 2222 Sumter St is the address for NoMa Warehouse, which lists a contact number. This phone number should allow for inquiries regarding store hours, product availability, or any other questions you may have before visiting this impactful department store.

BOPs in Columbia, South Carolina, is an exceptionally suitable and valuable destination for locals, particularly for its unique and impactful approach to retail. For South Carolina residents who seek to consciously spend their money while acquiring high-quality products, BOPs offers a compelling and meaningful shopping experience. Its core mission to exclusively feature products from Black-owned businesses provides a direct and tangible way for the community to support entrepreneurship, foster economic growth, and celebrate local and national Black creatives.

The diverse range of products available, spanning skincare (with highly effective items like the "eczema bundle"), cleaning supplies, clothing, and home decor, ensures that "there is honestly something for everyone." This variety, combined with an emphasis on non-toxic and eco-friendly options, caters to a growing demand for responsible and sustainable consumer choices. Locals can confidently shop knowing they are getting quality items that align with their values.

Furthermore, BOPs' location within the NoMa Warehouse adds to its appeal, situating it within a dynamic creative hub that often hosts other community events. This integration fosters a sense of place and belonging, making a visit to BOPs more than just a transaction but an engagement with a vibrant local ecosystem. For anyone in Columbia, SC, looking to discover unique products, support a powerful mission, and contribute directly to community empowerment, BOPs stands as an indispensable and highly recommended local department store.