Columbia, SC



Columbia Summer Tent Sale May 18th - 20th

It’s time for the Summer Tent Sale at Mast General Store in downtown Columbia! From Friday, May 18th through Sunday, May 20th, you'll find what you need for the summer season under the tent AND on the sidewalk at Mast General Store.

Get your closet prepared to help you beat the summer heat with clothing, shoes, and accessories that seamlessly transition from the front porch to the deep woods. Name brands including Clarks, North River, Woolrich, Columbia and more will be 50% off. This is a tent sale you won’t want to miss!
 

 

Mast Store was recently notified that its Columbia location is set to recieve an award for Preservation/Restoration from the Historic Columbia Foundation. According to the letter, the location is being recognized for improving the way the Columbia community views and preserves its built history. The actual award will be presented at the Preservation Matters Awards Dinner on May 24. The Historic Columbia Foundation is celebrating its 50th year of preserving landmarks and structure of significance in Columbia.

The Historic Columbia Foundation was founded in 1961 with a goal of saving the Ainsley Hall House, which is known today as the Robert Mills House. Throughout the year, the Historic Columbia Foundation presents events that are of interest across many subjects - architecture, gardens, archeaology, etc. The organization’s enhanced schedule of events for this anniversary year includes Hard Hat Tours, Tea Parties, and moonlight strolls through local cemeteries. For more information, visit historiccolumbia.org.
 


 

One of the many pleasures of spring is transitioning out of bulky winter wear into lighter, warm weather clothing. As you put away your winter boots and replace them with summer sandals, check to see if there are any shoes cluttering your home.  Instead of stowing your unwanted pairs at the back of the closet, share them with those who need them at Mast Store’s fifth annual Sharing Our Shoes collection campaign going on now through May 31.

As you gather your family’s extra shoes during spring cleaning, drop by Mast General Store in Downtown Columbia, and they will be given to the Oliver Gospel Mission and Transitions. For over 120 years, the Oliver Gospel Mission has offered shelter, food, and medical assistance to homeless men in Columbia. Above all else, the Mission aims to “provide hope to men who have lost all sense of significance in a society that puts such a high value on material success.” Similarly, Transitions engages homeless Columbians in services that stabilizes their lives, increases their income, and helps them secure permanent housing.

Donating your shoes is not only a gift to those in need, it’s a gracious act on behalf of the environment.  Last year alone, Americans discarded millions of pairs of shoes. “We all have unused shoes with many miles left in them,” said Fred Martin, president of the Mast Store. “The Oliver Gospel Mission and Transitions help many individuals who have no way to buy shoes for themselves or their family. At this time, there is so much need. Our employees and our customers are always so generous and eager to share what they have with the people who matter to us most – our neighbors.”

De-clutter your closet, reduce the strain on our environment, and lend a helping hand to your neighbors this May by answering the SOS and sharing your shoes at Mast General Store.
 


8th Annual Great American Backyard Campout

Childhood summers are marked by memories of biking around town with a pack of friends, listening for the bell of the ice cream truck, catching fireflies in Mason jars, and staying outside well after the sun sinks in the sky. With the dawn of the information age, many children are missing out on traditional summer fun and are glued to their electronic devices instead.  It’s time to boot our children outdoors, so they can benefit from fresh air, green grass, and the carefree joys of a summer spent in nature.

A wonderful way to turn your child’s screen time into green time is by having your family participate in the 8th annual Great American Backyard Campout on June 23rd.  The National Wildlife Federation, along with national studies, finds that outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. The bottom line is that outdoor time makes for healthier and happier kids.

The Great American Backyard Campout helps kids explore a whole other world in their own backyard, with friends at a local campground, together with neighbors, or at a large community camping event. An evening under the stars will help kids understand why it’s called the “great” outdoors.

Before June 23rd, drop by your local Mast General Store to pick up a few items for your family’s overnight outdoor adventure. The North Face Sprout Daypack is a perfect size for a smaller child and will teach them to share in the camping preparation process.

Every happy camper should prepare themselves for a stray summer shower. The Marmot Boys’ and Girls’ PreCip Rain Jackets are lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. If there’s anything on your Backyard Campout list, from headlamps and camping cookware to tents and sleeping bags, a Mast Store associate will gladly help you find what you need for your outdoor adventure.

Check out backyardcampout.org and register your campout on National Wildlife Federation’s website. You’ll find great information to make your family camping experience a memorable and safe one. The site offers nocturnal wildlife guides, campfire recipes, nature activities, as well as campfire songs and games. Move your son and daughter’s childhood from the indoors to the outdoors this summer. One day they’ll thank you for their precious summer memories too!
 

 

Special Guests at Columbia's Mast Store


City of Columbia Mayor, Steve Benjamin, and his beautiful family know exactly where to go when searching for a sweet treat. We're honored that Mayor Benjamin, his wife Deandra, and daughters Bethany and Jordan Grace enjoy spending quality family time at the Mast General Store on Main Street.

Mayor Benjamin's commitment to the revitalization of downtown has been a tremendous support for Mast Store. At the City Address on January 11th, the Daily Gamecock quoted the Mayor, "We are a city on the verge of greatness," Benjamin said. "We are a city eager for tomorrow."

Columbia’s revitalization is best described by SoulofAmerica.com: “[The city’s many attractions and] growing economy has greatly enhanced Columbia’s image makeover.  Families will find the day times filled with heritage destinations, soulful dining, and a diverse range of art.”

Mast General Store is thrilled to be a part of the ever brightening future of the City of Columbia.



[Thank you to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau for the image of the Benjamin Family.]