29 Best Places to Shop in Charleston, South Carolina

Background Illustration for Shopping

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.

Croghan's Jewel Box

Lower King Fodor's choice

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.

George C. Birlant and Co.

Lower King Fodor's choice

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.

Hampden Clothing

Lower King Fodor's choice

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.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Ibu Movement

Lower King Fodor's choice
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.

Worthwhile

Lower King Fodor's choice

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.

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-577–4556
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Weekdays 9–6, Sat. 10–6

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-722–1665
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 9:30–6

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-577–3004
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. noon–6

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, SC, 29464, USA
843-881–4170
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Thurs. 9–5:30, Fri. 9–5, Sat. 10:30–4

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-577–7757
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Weekdays 7 am–8:30 pm, Sat. and Sun. 8 am–8:30 pm

Charleston City Market

Market

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.

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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.

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, SC, 29488, USA
843-549–2617
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–5

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-723–0575
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.-Sat. 10-6

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-723–2999
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–7, Sun. noon–6

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-534–0203
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–5:30, Sun. 12:30–5

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.

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, SC, 29401, USA
843-722–3788
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Wed. 10–6, Thurs.–Sat. 10–7, Sun. noon–5

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.

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.

Jacques' Antiques

Lower King

French imports make up much of the selection here, and the rest are either European or English from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Decorative arts include ceramics, porcelains, and crystal. From the candlesticks to the armoires, all are in exquisite taste.

160 King St., Charleston, SC, 29401, USA
843-577–0104
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–5

King Street

The city's main shopping strip is divided into informal districts: Lower King (from Broad Street to Market Street) is the Antiques District, lined with high-end dealers; Middle King (from Market Street to Calhoun Street) is the Fashion District, with a mix of national chains like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn and locally owned boutiques; and Upper King (from Calhoun Street to Spring Street) has been dubbed the Design District, known for both its restaurant scene and clothing and interior-design stores. Check out Second Sundays on King, when the street closes to cars all afternoon from Calhoun Street to Queen Street. Make sure to visit the Saturday farmers' market in Marion Square throughout the spring and summer months.

Mercantile & Mash

Upper King
Billing itself as a gourmet food emporium, Mercantile is an excellent source of take-home gifts for the culinary inclined, including pickles, sauces, drink mixes, and cookies from local artisans. The space also doubles as a coffee shop and luncheonette that's popular with remote workers; in addition, the adjoining Mash is an estimable cocktail bar.

Monarch Wine Merchants

Upper King
Charleston's wine scene has blossomed along with its restaurants, meaning the city now has a crop of young sommeliers and savvy drinkers interested in imported and hard-to-find bottles. The carefully curated Monarch is one of the city's primary outlets for such oenophiles, featuring small production European wines with no other ties to Charleston. Monarch also hosts occasional wine tastings and classes.

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

Across the Ravenel Bridge, this mall has 60 stores, including Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, and the locally owned Copper Penny.

Pink Chicken

Lower King
This New York--born boutique fits right in to its corner nook in balmy Charleston, where the flowy, brightly patterned dresses make perfect sense during the summer swelter. The store also caters to children, with designs that balance kiddie haute with just plain cute.

Ro Sham Beaux

Downtown Historic District
The hemp-wrapped and gold-leaf beaded chandeliers are the window piece showstoppers at this design-forward boutique that also offers small furniture pieces, light fixtures, and a small selection of women's clothing. The tucked-away neighborhood location and one-of-a-kind pieces make it feel like a special discovery.

The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place

Market

The city's most renowned hotel is flanked by an indoor mall of upscale boutiques and specialty shops, as well as several restaurants, including Charleston Grill, Meeting at Market pub, and the Community Perk coffee shop. Retail offerings include Gucci, Kate Spade, and a Mary Martin Gallery of Fine Art. It's an excellent respite from the heat or the rain, and the city's finest publicly accessible restrooms are downstairs near the shoeshine station.

Vieuxtemps

Lower King

This is where Charlestonians go to pick out wedding china and build a bridal registry. Possibly the only Charleston store to offer Herend, Royal Crown Derby, Haviland, and Spode, the store is a discerning bride's dream. Linens and cookware are also great reasons to pop by.

180 King St., Charleston, SC, 29401, USA
843-577–6811
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat.10–5:30