Shopping is King

The Lowcountry retail scene thrives with world-class options on King Street.

U.S. News & World Report recently chose King Street as one of the 10 Best Shopping Streets in the United States, right up there with Rodeo Drive, Michigan Avenue, Newbury Street and Fifth Avenue. The 10 Best list stated: “This historic avenue pulses with pedestrians in search of the perfect outfit or gift. Beautiful buildings house big-name brands like Apple and Banana Republic; however, it’s the number of family-owned boutiques... that really distinguishes King Street... you’ll find Southern hospitality persists year-round.”

Charming King Street is a perfect mix of nationally and internationally recognized names, like Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, Le Creuset and Talbots, located alongside Croghan’s Jewel Box, Hampden Clothing, Bob Ellis Shoes and Seeking Indigo. In fact, the Charleston peninsula maintains a 72 percent locally owned and operated business base. That’s good news for small shops like Julia Santen’s art gallery, whose space is more suited to a vintage poster gallery than a national clothing store.

Lower King Street, also called the Antique District, is the beautiful, quiet end of the street. From Broad to Market streets, it’s the best antique shopping in the U.S. according to the readers of Travel + Leisure. You can find antiques from any period and from all over the world, but there’s a lot more to Lower King. Charming hotels, fine dining, and women’s and men’s fashion boutiques are there, as well as fine jewelry and couture cosmetics.

The Preservation Society Book and Gift Shop on the corner of King and Queen streets is home to books by every local and regional author — and we have many. Books by foodies Nathalie Dupree, Craig Deihl, Holly Herrick and the Lee Brothers can be found there along with those by Dorothea Benton Frank, Pat Conroy and even our own Stephen Colbert. Books on art, history and architecture fill the stacks, and there is a large children’s section by Charleston illustrators and writers. You can pick up impressionist Rick Reinert’s beautiful King Street note cards to send a message — and framable art — home.

Walk north a few steps and visit Sugar Snap Pea, the baby and children’s boutique that’s home to Cutey Booty, Petit Bateau, Tea and more great children’s clothing lines, toys and gear. Stop in at Joint Venture Jewelry for a vintage bauble or other fine piece, or a jewelry adjustment.

Rick Reinert and Kevin LePrince maintain their gallery and studio at 179 King, which is right across from the spectacular Audubon Gallery, where you can linger with the wildlife paintings of John James Audubon. Progressing up the street, just next to Brooks Brothers, Cos Bar is the place to pick up the high-end cosmetics you left at home or have always wanted. Roberto Coin’s beautiful Italian jewelry boutique is across the street and steps from the fascinating Savannah Bee Company. Children love Savannah Bee’s hive room, women love the bath and body honey, and everybody loves the pure, sweet honey, especially the Charleston version.

King Street’s Fashion District offers handbags, shoes, European lingerie, top designer fashions, jewelry and eyewear, starting with the new Harleston Shoe Company at Market Street. Harleston carries couture European designers like Nero Giardini, United Nude, Del Toro, Bruno Magli and Nando Muzi, plus British designers Terry De Havilland and Rio Ferdinand.

Rapport is a fine women’s clothier housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. They offer a variety of coveted women’s labels from American, French and Italian designers, and boast an experienced, in-house alterations team.

Recognized by Vogue and Marie Claire as one of the top boutiques in the country, Hampden Clothing is all about fashion, with lines like Elizabeth and James, Rag & Bone, NAHM, Alexander Wang, A.L.C., Opening Ceremony, 10 Crosby, By Malene Birger and Yigal Azrouël.

Scout & Molly’s Boutique of Charleston is a new addition to the Fashion District, with Gypsy 05, Fifteen- Twenty, Shae, Henry & Belle and AG Ballard. They offer cool and trendy jewelry and accessories, excellent service and wardrobe advice, and something for every woman. Our favorite Rewined Candles are there, too.

Bits of Lace’s boutique offers fine lingerie, sexy bras, panties and thongs, as well as sleepwear, custom corsets, beautiful robes and teddies. Eres’ Paris swimwear collection arrives at Bits of Lace just in time for resort season each year.

No shopping venture is complete without visiting 100-year-old family treasure Croghan’s Jewel Box. Every Charleston male knows every Charleston female wants a piece from Croghan’s.

For three generations Bob Ellis Shoes has featured top designers like Stuart Weitzman, Manolo Blahnik, AGL, Donald J Pliner, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Pas de Rouge, Tory Burch, Cole Haan and Santoni, to name a few. Also a third-generation Charleston business, M. Dumas & Sons is where you can find Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, Smathers & Branson, 7 For All Mankind and many more excellent lines for men.

On Wentworth, just steps from King, you’ll find Sam’s Closet. Look for on-trend classics in this quaint off-King store. Bradshaw, Sam’s miniature labradoodle, will greet you at the door, and a helpful staff will care for you while you check out local clothing and jewelry designers, under $100 finds, and exclusive labels from New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

The Hidden Countship is tucked away in a spectacular renovated building on Burns Lane. It’s a place where the luxurious works of fine Italian artisans is made available to the American market. There are handmade goods linked to antique traditions in furniture making, ceramics, blown glass, marble, wrought iron and paper stamping. Beautiful trompe l’oeil panels can be painted to order; the Countship can even create your own heritage china. There’s much history in the two-story showroom. Ask for a tour of the upstairs museum and learn all about it.

Upper King Street and Beyond
No shopping trip is complete without a visit to Upper King Street. Historically the area has been called the Design District, but today it’s a vibrant destination for food, from casual cupcakes to the finest steaks, sushi, Thai and farm-to-table offerings anywhere. Upper King also has jewelry and fashion shops, art galleries and spas.

Seeking Indigo is a 6,000-square-foot urban oasis on Upper King Street that combines a unique retail store with a wellness center and spa. You can enjoy yoga classes, Pilates, detox treatments, biofeedback, therapeutic massage therapies and organic facials. Shopping is excellent with art, jewelry, fashion and if you’re lucky you’ll be in town for one of their vintage cowboy boot extravaganzas.

Find your Gucci, Tory Burch, Chanel, Michael Kors and all the great designers at Butterfly Women’s Consignment Boutique. Local in-the-know fashionistas pop in regularly to find wearable treasures in perfect condition at a fraction of the regular price.

For more consignment treasures, The Trunk Show on Meeting Street is just a block east on King. Not only will you find couture, vintage and designer clothing, shoes and accessories for women, The Trunk Show also offers estate jewelry, men’s accessories, china, crystal and sterling.

View our guide to shopping in Charleston.

Kiawah Fine Jewelry Kiawah Fine Jewelry is a local, family-owned luxury jewelry and watch boutique. Find the name brands you desire; Mikimoto, Hearts On Fire, OMEGA, Breitling, Michele, Tissot and TagHeuer watches. Plus, take home a stunning souvenir from the Sea Life Collection in gold or sterling silver crafted with brilliant hues inspired by the ocean. A selection of extraordinary diamonds at incomparable value and beautiful gifts for everyone in your bridal party. Located in Freshfields Village, Johns Island.

Harleston Must see. Must shop here. Men and woman's fashion footwear. From the classic and elegant, to outright sexy "wow" styles. Harleston is located on the corner of King Street and and Market Street in Charleston. The fashions here represent the highest standards of construction and design. Shop from international designer's brands: Untied Nude, Nando Muzi, Tches, Terry De Haviland, Del Toro, Moshino, Nero Giardini, Chantal, Llyodd and more. Styles brought to you by shoe ninjas known for their impeccable taste!

Coastal Palms Apparel When in the islands, shop for Island Apparel. Coastal Palms has the perfect relaxed apparel for your island lifestyle. Men’s and Woman’s clothing. Stop by to select from the best brands available on the islands. Coastal Palms is pleased to offer these favorite brands: Nic + Zoe, Escapada, Karen Kane, Island Company, Cutter & Buck, Thomas Dean, Lacoste, Tori Richard, Joyous and Free. Located in the Freshfields Village where you can enjoy a relaxed and pleasant shopping experience. Or, call for information: Tel: 843-768-1992.