You’ve been there. It’s 4:30 PM on a Tuesday, you just realized your niece’s birthday is tomorrow, and the generic grocery store card aisle feels like a sad graveyard of glitter and bad puns. If you’re in the Midlands, your mind probably jumps straight to Kitty's Hallmark Lexington SC. It is a local staple. A go-to. Honestly, it's one of those places that feels like it’s been part of the community fabric forever, even as the retail landscape around Sunset Boulevard and Saint Andrews Road shifts constantly.
But here is the thing: people often get a little confused about where "Kitty's" actually is or what makes it different from a corporate-run Gold Crown store. Some folks call the Columbia location Kitty's, while others swear by the Lexington vibes. Let’s set the record straight on what shopping here is actually like in 2026.
The Identity Crisis: Lexington vs. Columbia
Strictly speaking, if you are looking for the official "Kitty's Hallmark Shop" branded store that everyone talks about, you're often looking at the Sevenoaks Shopping Center location on Saint Andrews Road. Now, I know what you’re thinking. "That’s Columbia!" Well, yeah, technically. But for those of us living in the Lexington-Irmo bubble, the lines are pretty blurry. Most locals treat the Saint Andrews spot as the "Lexington area" flagship because it’s a quick hop over the dam or a straight shot down the road.
There are other Hallmark locations directly in Lexington proper—like the one on Sunset Blvd—but Kitty's has a specific reputation. It’s known for being locally owned and operated. That matters. It means the inventory isn't just a carbon copy of a store in a mall in Ohio. They stock for us.
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What’s Actually Inside?
Walking into Kitty’s Hallmark is a sensory experience. You get that "Hallmark smell"—a mix of scented candles, high-quality paper, and maybe a hint of holiday spice that seems to linger until July. It’s comforting.
The selection is usually deeper than what you’d find at a big-box retailer. Sure, they have the standard Keepsake Ornaments, but they also lean heavily into brands that have a cult following in the South.
- Willow Tree: They usually have a massive display of these hand-painted sculptures.
- Squishmallows: Because apparently, the world can never have enough plush round animals.
- Life is Good: Perfect for that "Lexington lake life" aesthetic.
- DaVinci & Brighton: Higher-end jewelry options for when a card isn't enough.
The real "expert" tip here? Check their seasonal clearance right after a holiday. They don't mess around. If you want 75% off high-end gift wrap or decor, you have to be there the morning after Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
The "Kitty's" Difference: Service and Atmosphere
In a world of self-checkout kiosks that yell at you for "unexpected items in the bagging area," Kitty's feels like a time capsule in the best way. The staff generally knows the inventory backward and forward. If you say, "I need a card for a second cousin who just graduated dental school," they won't just point to the 'Graduation' section. They’ll likely walk you to the specific sub-category.
That said, let’s be real—customer service can be a mixed bag depending on how busy it is. During the peak of Keepsake Ornament Debut (usually in July and October), the store can feel like a high-stakes trading floor. Serious collectors do not play around. If you’re just there for a birthday card during an ornament release event, prepare for a crowd.
The Reality of Shopping Local in 2026
It’s tough for physical gift shops right now. Amazon exists. Digital cards exist. But Kitty's Hallmark Lexington SC (and the surrounding area) survives because of the "touch and feel" factor. You can't feel the weight of a $10 premium card online. You can't smell the new Yankee Candle scent through a screen.
The store is located at:
6185 Saint Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
(Which, again, is the one most people refer to when they say "Kitty's.")
They are usually open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM most weekdays, but Sundays are shorter (usually 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Always check their Facebook page or call ahead if it’s a holiday, as local owners tend to set their own holiday hours.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you are planning a trip, don't just wing it.
First, join the Crown Rewards program. It sounds like a chore, but Hallmark actually sends out $2 and $5 "Reward Dollars" constantly. At Kitty’s, you can stack these with local store promotions sometimes.
Second, look for the 'Local' section. Often, Kitty's will carry items from South Carolina makers or Clemson/USC themed gear that you won't find on the national Hallmark website.
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Third, utilize their gift-wrapping service. If you are headed straight to a party, let them do it. They have the professional-grade tape and the "good" scissors. It saves you the headache of trying to wrap a weirdly shaped candle in your car 10 minutes before the event.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Crown Rewards app. In 2026, the integration between the physical store and the app is much smoother. You can often see if a specific ornament is in stock at the Saint Andrews Road location before you even leave your house in Lexington.
Kitty’s isn’t just a store; it’s a bit of a local tradition. Whether you’re hunting for a rare ornament or just need a card that doesn't look like it was bought at a gas station, it’s worth the drive. Just remember to check the address—don’t let the Columbia/Lexington border confusion get you turned around.
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Next Steps for the Savvy Shopper:
- Check your Crown Rewards balance before heading out; those $5 coupons expire faster than you think.
- Call (803) 551-0990 if you are looking for a specific retired ornament or a niche collectible brand.
- Visit during the weekday morning (around 10:00 AM) to avoid the lunch rush and the "after-work" crowd, ensuring you get the best help from the staff.