Discover CharlestonShopping in Charleston SC – An Insider’s View

by Andrea Serrano of Charleston Shop Curator

It’s no wonder why Charleston is always in the top ten destinations in magazines like Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Beautiful architecture, historical sites, award winning restaurants, friendly locals, and of course the amazing shopping can contribute to this. As a New York transplant all of these things were important for me to know so I could transition into a new environment. 9 years later and I’m even more enamored by this charming city.

When you walk down King Street you can see how diverse and expansive the shopping is in Charleston. Starting on Lower King there are mostly locally owned boutiques mixed with antique shops. Berlins is a Charleston shopping landmark, and is the 1st store on the lengthy strip. It’s a men’s and women’s boutique that has been family owned and operated for over 130 years. Just down the block is Ben Silver, a men’s store that caters to the traditional gentlemen. The interior mimics a private library from a grand estate, decorated with brass chandeliers that dot the ceiling.

A turn down Queen Street towards the French Quarter and you get a piece of history along with a fantastic antique shop called David Skinner Antiques. Nestled near the Dock Street Theatre (America’s oldest theatre) and The French Huguenot Church (America’s 1st as well), David Skinner Antiques carries American, European and Caribbean furniture as well as unique lighting pieces.

Back on Lower King is RTW, a boutique that carries exclusive brands that are usually only seen in big cities. Labels like Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten, Jean Paul Gaultier, and the Row are some of the elite designers that they carry.

The start of Middle King is where King Street intersects with Market Street. On that corner is Christian Michi, a women’s boutique that mixes clothing and accessories with home decor. You can spend hours in this upscale boutique perusing the goods and trying on fun accessories and formal dresses. The next block over is the Charleston Place Hotel where luxury stores such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and St. John are located. Across the street is Rapport, a women’s boutique that carries high end labels such as Armani and Missoni and caters to their sophisticated clientele. On the next block is The Finicky Filly, a family owned business run by a mother and daughter team who have an eye for all things stylish. From the latest bag from Tory Burch to dreamy frocks by Lela Rose, this store knows how to mix southern sophistication with big city style. Across the street is Croghan’s Jewel Box, another landmark that has been in business for over 100 years. Still family owned and operated, Croghan’s is the place to find that perfect engagement ring or even customize one. Their selection of estate jewelry is not to be missed either, each piece tells a story. A few doors down is Hampden Clothing and it’s sister store James. Hampden carries cutting edge designers such as Alexander Wang, Kenzo, and Tibi; and their accessory store James carries the most covetable handbags and shoes of the season. 

A turn down a hidden alley way is The Hidden Countship on Burns Lane. All things Italian can be found at this charming boutique. The owners are from Italy and travel back home frequently to hand select home accessories, clothing, accessories, and gifts to sell back at their boutique that’s set in a historical house. 

Charleston’s shopping is a gem and probably boasts the most locally owned businesses in the south. With countless stores located in every neighborhood you can imagine from downtown, to Mt. Pleasant, Daniel Island, Sullivan’s Island, West Ashley, Kiawah, James Island, and Folly Beach, the possibilities are infinite.

Photo Credit: Photography by Jeni Rone Becker at Sea Star Arts http://seastararts.com/jeni/ Hair and makeup by Rebecca Wash at Pink Dot Beauty Bar http://www.pinkdotbeautybar.com/