45 Best Places to Shop in Charleston, South Carolina

Look for out-of-print and rare books, including hardcover classics and a large selection of Lowcountry fiction and nonfiction, at this locally adored bookstore offering everything from military history to cookbooks. It hosts frequent signings by local authors like Matt and Ted Lee.

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.

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.

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 Rachel Comey make it a premier destination for the latest in fashion.

Bring home products inspired by Charleston furniture, china, and decorative accessories. These authentic Charleston mementos, including bags of Carolina Rice, avoid the kitsch of the City Market and make treasured gifts.

Artisans from 40 countries contribute the elaborate and intricate textiles used to make the clothing in this brightly colored shop that's nestled in a nook overlooking Lower King. Purchases support the communities where the clothing and supplies originate.

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.

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.

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%.

Browse the small but mighty selection of books about Charleston and those by local authors, plus classics and a children's section. The shop also hosts an excellent, compelling walking tour, The Lost Stories of Black Charleston, and Charleston's longest-running ghost tour.

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.

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 Pimento Cheese and Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Small Batch Tonic Syrup.

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.

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 elegant dinner. There's a second downtown location inside the City Market.

Walterboro’s downtown has several antique and vintage shops, and Choice Collectibles is one of the best for a slow walk through its stalls. Need proof? Scout their Facebook posts, where they share photos of finds and curiosities nearly every week. The prices are right, too.

Tony clothing and accessories by designers from Italy, such as Piazza Sempione, are represented here, as is the European line Hoss 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.

This longtime local clothier sells trendy dresses and apparel from designers like Trina Turk and Laila Jayde. There's also an accompanying casual wear store, MIX, next door and two satellite locations in Mount Pleasant.

Chic and classy, this shop is known for its washable, packable women's clothing made of feel-good fabrics like silk, linen, and cashmere. Its fashions have classic lines but always feel up-to-date.

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

Located at the crossroads of Kiawah and Seabrook islands, this shopping area includes a variety of homegrown stores. There are French and Italian restaurants, an ice-cream shop, a sports outfitter, and stores selling upscale apparel. More than just a shopping destination, Freshfields has become a major social center, offering everything from wine and beer tastings to movies and concerts on the green.

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.

Independent department stores have mostly shuttered in the modern era, but Gwynn's has been holding strong since 1967, offering the type of thoughtful service and classy environs that many shoppers no doubt remember from childhood outings to buy Mother's Day gifts. Those still in the market for the same should make a beeline for the rice bead case.

Stylish, affordable fashions have made this locally owned boutique a mainstay on the College of Charleston campus for over a decade. The wide selection of shirts, dresses, and shoes are almost all priced under $100.

This store is the go-to boutique for the latest in gentlemen's tailoring featuring brands such as Gitman Vintage, Filson Red Label bags, and Raleigh Denim. The Cannonborough shop is also brimming with bow ties, handkerchiefs, and other accessories.

This shop stocks funky home and garden accessories. In addition, there are both locally made and handmade products by unique vendors, from quirky clothes to artisan jewelry.

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.