Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Before we know it, the Midlands will soon welcome the area code "839" to the "803", and some local businesses who pride themselves in the signature digits are weighing on the change.
To many people, area codes represent where they're from.
We stepped inside Magnetizm Tattoo off Parklane Road to learn just how high demand is for area code tattoos.
"All the tattoos that we've done are pretty much South Carolina based on a daily basis. I'd say about maybe 60%, like state outlines, the 803," said Sheldon Harris, Manager and Tattoo Artist at Magnetizm Tattoo.
Harris says area codes are a popular choice; They ink up to 10 per month.
"SC logos, or 803 under a Clemson paw," said Harris. "They love where they're from. You see a lot of Clemson and Gamecock stuff, but along with that is the 803."
The area code describes who we are. It's enough to make local business owners use the three digits as a selling point.
"I've heard a lot of people say 'Reppin' the 803!' So we wanted to rep' the 803!" said Danielle Buol, owner of 803 Realty in Lexington. "We wanted them to know that we are from this area, that we work in this area, and that we know this area."
Soon, the Midlands will welcome a new area code: 839. It will cover the same area as the 803, which includes areas from Rock Hill at the North Carolina border through Columbia, and down to the Georgia border.
839 will not replace 803. The old number will still exist, and anyone who has a current 803 number will not have to change it.
Only new numbers coming in will get the new area code.
The biggest change for everyone: Once 839 is active, everyone will have to dial all ten digits to make a call.
Even with the new 839, locals who we spoke with say their business models aren't changing.
"803 is the area code. It stands out," said Eric Shahan, owner of 803 Tint and Auto Refinishing. "So many names sound alike and get confused when people are asking where you got your work done, so 803 labels you as one of the premier shops in the area."
Shahan says with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, the new area code will have little effect on his company.
"We'll still continue to do what we do," said Shahan. "It just lets people know that if you're willing to put the area code in your name, you better be able to back it up and do some pretty good work and stand behind what you do."
"We still feel like 803 is the root of Columbia, so we want to keep 803 as our name," added Buol. "We get a lot of military and a lot of retirees who are moving here. So I think 803 will still represent our area, but it will be nice to add a little bit of extra '839'."
The new area code will go live mid 2020.
"When the 839 comes, [it will be just like] the 313 is from Detroit, the 513 is from Ohio, the 704 is from Charlotte. [The 803] not going to go anywhere. People have pride in where they live. It's here to stay," said Will Thompson, owner of Magnetizm Tattoo.
South Carolina has three other area codes: 864 in the Upstate, and 843 and 854, which cover the coastal region.