pOpshelf — Local services in Columbia

I regularly shop at pOpshelf without issue—until my visit on June 10, 2025. During this visit, a staff member (haven't seen her at this location before) took it upon herself to check me out at the SHELF checkout . One of the items, a trial-size face wash I had previously purchased, rang up for $0.01 in the system. The cashier immediately said the price was incorrect, turned the screen away from me, and adjusted the price. I pointed out that if the system displays $0.01, that should be the price. I also mentioned that I’ve purchased penny-marked items at pOpshelf before without issue. The cashier claimed that pOpshelf does not sell items for a penny. She ultimately changed the price to $1.00 each. Another item, a lip gloss, scanned at $4.00. The cashier hesitantly stated, “This is four dollars,” to which I responded, “If it rings up at $4.00, it’s $4.00.” I completed the purchase and left. Afterward, I called pOpshelf customer service to file a complaint and was informed that I should have been allowed to buy the item for $0.01. While still on the call, I returned to the store to buy more of the same face wash. However, when I returned to the display, the items had been removed. I approached the same staff member and asked where she had put the products. She admitted to removing them and stated she could not sell them to me because they rang up as $0.01, which, according to her, meant they were not for sale under store policy. I reminded her she had just sold me the same item for $1.00 each. I also explained that if an item is not for sale, the register usually displays a message like “item not found,” “see associate,” or “not for sale.” I referenced videos on YouTube and pOpshelf’s own Facebook page where customers purchased items priced at $0.01. In response, she condescendingly said, “Yeah, they’re teaching you how to be a thief,” implying that buying such items is theft, in her words “stealing”. I asked for clarification—if a customer picks up a product from the sales floor, scans it, and it shows up in the system for $0.01, how does that make the customer a thief? She had changed the price from $0.01 to $1.00 and still sold it to me, even though she claimed it wasn’t supposed to be sold—so who exactly is in the wrong here- the theif? This incident, while unbelievable, is very real—and should be on video, especially since the store plays an anti-theft message indicating it is under surveillance. I will be following up on...

Title: Discovering Treasures at Pop Shelf on Harbison Boulevard

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Pop Shelf on Harbison Boulevard is a delightful small store that carves its niche between the realms of Five Below, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree. This gem of a shop shines with its unique selection of items that cater to bargain hunters and treasure seekers alike.

Upon entering, you're greeted by an array of affordable yet distinctive products. From quirky knickknacks to practical household goods, Pop Shelf offers a variety that sparks curiosity and invites exploration. It's an excellent destination for parents looking to entertain their children with new toys or activities without breaking the bank.

What sets Pop Shelf apart is its surprising assortment of beauty and hair care products. Shoppers can find a wide selection of "Cemetery" (likely a typo, assuming it means a varied assortment) shampoos, soaps, and other hair essentials that rival the variety found in more specialized stores. This unexpected find is a boon for those looking to try new beauty products on a budget.

The store also dabbles in gardening supplies, although this section is not its strongest suit. While there are some basic gardening items, those with a green thumb might find the selection somewhat lacking compared to specialized nurseries or home improvement stores.

Pop Shelf is not the place for extensive shopping lists or bulk purchases. Instead, it excels as a haven for those seeking unusual items and affordable luxuries that are hard to find elsewhere. Whether you're on the hunt for a unique gift, a fun new product, or just a casual browse, Pop Shelf on Harbison Boulevard offers a pleasant shopping experience that's worth...

This was my first time at this store and I thought it had some cute and interesting stuff. They welcomed me in along with everyone else and that part was fantastic. However, I had several employees walk near and around me and no one smiled and asked how I was or if I needed help finding anything. No biggie but it adds up to the total experience when I get to the self checkout that I wasn’t realizing nor expecting to be a self checkout. It doesn’t look anything like a self checkout I have ever seen before so it was not right off the bat obvious. They stared at me and talked amongst themselves and took a long time before one of them finally came to say It was a self checkout. And again, no hey 👋 how are you? Have you been here before? None of that. So I start scanning. Then when I’m done I go to pay on the screen. Following the screens prompts then.. I hear the man in the back say “I’ll tell her” and then when he approaches, he just presses a prompt on the other screen and walks off. No word and honestly seems annoyed. As a paying customer that is new in this store… just spent $60+ of my hard earned money.. I should not have feelings of being ashamed, embarrassed, unwelcome, or even angry by the service I received while being here. There is absolutely NOTHING that this store has to offer that can’t be found elsewhere and I will not be back. I write this coming from customer service experience in MULTIPLE different retail environments and from a management background....