Charleston

One-of-a-kind boutiques make up an important part of the contemporary Charleston shopping experience. Long-established Christian Michi anchors the corner of Market and King; its window displays are like works of art, and its innovative and European designs are treasured by well-heeled, sophisticated clients. Some department stores cater to younger shoppers, and high-end shops sell either their own designer fashions, or carry names that are found in Paris, New York, and South Beach, like Kate Spade in the Shops at Belmond Charleston Place.

The number and quality of shoe stores on King Street is surprising for the city's size. Family-owned shops like Berlin's are city institutions. Newer shops like Sugar Snap Pea are popular with families.

The Upper King District is interspersed with clothing boutiques and restaurants. The revival of this neighborhood has sparked a new wave of home-fashion stores; long-term antiques hunters, accustomed to buying on Lower King, have been lured uptown as well. Charleston has more than 25 fine-art galleries, making it one of the top art towns in America. Local Lowcountry art, which includes both traditional landscapes of the region as well as more contemporary takes, is among the most prevalent styles here. Such innovative artists as Betty Anglin Smith and Fred Jamar, a Belgian known for his whimsical nighttime cityscapes, can give you a piece of Charleston to keep close until your next visit. Collectors will find nationally and internationally renowned work in such exquisite galleries as Ann Long Fine Art and the more contemporary Martin Gallery.

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  • 1. Croghan's Jewel Box

    Lower King

    Ring the doorbell for fine new jewelry and antiques at this Charleston institution that's been facilitating proposals, weddings, and anniversaries for more than 100 years. You'll also find wonderful wedding gift items. Should the need arise, Croghan's does excellent repair work too.

    308 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-723–3594

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Weekdays 10–5:30, Sat. 10–5
  • 2. George C. Birlant and Co.

    Lower King

    You'll find mostly 18th- and 19th-century English antiques here, but keep your eye out for a Charleston Battery bench (seen at White Point Garden), for which the store is famous. Founded in 1922, Birlant's is fourth-generation family-owned and home to the oldest working freight elevator in the country.

    191 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-722–3842

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–5:30
  • 3. Hampden Clothing

    Lower King

    One of the city's trendiest boutiques attracts the young and well-heeled, who come here for an edgier, New York--influenced style. Hot designers like Alexandre Birman and Mara Hoffman help make it a premier destination for the latest in fashion.

    314 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-724–6373

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. noon–5
  • 4. Ibu Movement

    Lower King

    Artisans from 38 countries contribute the elaborate and intricate textiles used to make the clothing for sale here. The brightly colored shop is nestled in an upstairs nook on Lower King. Purchases support the communities where the clothing and supplies originate.

    183B King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-327–8304
  • 5. Worthwhile

    Lower King

    Designer clothing, shoes, and jewelry make it fun to shop at this boutique in a 19th-century historic home. You can also find artsy and hip baby gear.

    268 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-723–4418

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. noon–5
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  • 6. Ben Silver

    Lower King

    Charleston's own Ben Silver, premier purveyor of blazer buttons, has more than 800 designs, including college and British regimental motifs. The shop, founded in the 1960s, also sells British neckties, embroidered polo shirts, and blazers.

    149 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-577–4556

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Weekdays 9–6, Sat. 10–6
  • 7. Berlin's

    Lower King

    Family-owned since 1883, this Charleston institution has a reputation as a destination for special-occasion clothing. Expect preppy styles, suits, and stylish threads from European designers. There's a women's store next door to the men's shop and a complimentary parking lot across the street.

    114–116 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-722–1665

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 9:30–6
  • 8. Billy Reid

    Lower King

    The darling of Southern tailors offers fashion-forward shoppers the best in aristocratic men's and women's clothing. Be sure to check out the basement sale racks—in one of the few true basements in Charleston—where prices are slashed as much as 50%.

    150 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-577–3004

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. noon–6
  • 9. Carolina Lanterns

    Stop in for custom-made copper gas and electric lanterns based on designs from downtown's Historic District, as well as a host of other lights and accessories.

    1362 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464, USA
    843-881–4170

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Thurs. 9–5:30, Fri. 9–5, Sat. 10:30–4
  • 10. Caviar and Bananas

    College of Charleston Campus

    This upscale specialty market and café features classic paninis, salads, and every type of fancy, fizzy drink imaginable. It's an ideal spot to prep for a picnic. Note the locally produced items, such as Callie's Pimiento Cheese and Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Small Batch Tonic Syrup. There's even an airport location, which is your best bet for a quick before-flight bite.

    51 George St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-577–7757

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Weekdays 7 am–8:30 pm, Sat. and Sun. 8 am–8:30 pm
  • 11. Charleston City Market

    Market | Neighborhood

    This cluster of shops, covered stands, and restaurants fills Market Street between Meeting and East Bay streets. Sweetgrass basket weavers work here amid trinket and souvenir booths, T-shirt shops, and upscale clothing boutiques. In the covered market, vendors have stalls selling everything from jewelry to purses to paintings of Rainbow Row. The middle section of the market is enclosed and air-conditioned. From April through December, there's a night market on Friday and Saturday from 6:30 until 10:30 pm, featuring local craftspeople and street musicians.

    E. Bay and Market Sts., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    View Tours and Activities
  • 12. Charleston Shoe Co.

    Lower King

    The signature stretchy, earth-toned linen wedges helped to put this local shop on the map, and their offerings now include sandals, flats, and boots, all of which transition seamlessly from a casual backyard hangout to a fine-dining dinner. There's a second downtown location inside the City Market.

    161 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-882–6900
  • 13. Choice Collectibles

    On the site of the former Ritz Theater, Choice Collectibles is as retro as the sign for the theater's box office displayed over the cash register. You could get lost in time perusing the fascinating and inexpensive finds from decades past.

    329 E. Washington St., Walterboro, South Carolina, 29488, USA
    843-549–2617

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–5
  • 14. Christian Michi

    Lower King

    Tony clothing and accessories by designers from Italy, such as Piazza Sempione, are represented here, as is the European line Intropia. Known for its evening wear, the shop has pricey but gorgeous gowns and a fine selection of cocktail dresses. High-end fragrances add to the luxurious air.

    220 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-723–0575

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.-Sat. 10-6
  • 15. Copper Penny

    Lower King

    This longtime local clothier sells trendy dresses and apparel from designers like Trina Turk and BB Dakota. There's also an accompanying shoe store next door and two satellite locations in Mount Pleasant.

    311 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-723–2999

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–7, Sun. noon–6
  • 16. Finicky Filly

    Lower King

    This mother/daughter-owned boutique carries exceptional apparel, jewelry, and handbags by such designers as Joie, Tory Burch, and Etro.

    303 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-534–0203

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–5:30, Sun. 12:30–5
  • 17. Flood Tide Co

    Lower King

    You don't have to fish to appreciate the comfortable apparel at this Charleston-born designer selling shirts, hats, and accessories. The clothing is functional for long days on the water and features creative, distinctly Lowcountry illustrations.

    241 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    No phone
  • 18. Gucci of Charleston

    Market

    In the Shops at Belmond Charleston Place, this branch of the fashion powerhouse carries a full line of handbags, luggage, jewelry, and even a dress or two.

    132 Market St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-722–3788

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Wed. 10–6, Thurs.–Sat. 10–7, Sun. noon–5
  • 19. House of Nomad

    Lower King

    Global decor including baskets, furniture, rugs, pillows, and lighting fill this elegant storefront that doubles as an interior design studio. Some products are imported, while others are original designs inspired by travel.

    214 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
    843-637–4130
  • 20. J. Stark

    Cannonborough

    Charleston's famed bag manufacturer, J. Stark, makes its backpacks, tote bags, wallets, and more on-site from canvas, leather, and brass. Check out the handsome merchandise as you listen to the hum of sewing machines affixing labels and closures.

    489 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29403, USA
    843-813–0433

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