Is there any limit to the reasons to go shopping? First, there's the exercise: The avid consumer will stop at nothing to find the perfect shoes, dress or handbag, even if it means covering miles of sidewalk and hauling hefty bags full of goodies. Second, it's a learning experience: From price comparisons to simply scoping the current trends, there's always something to discover. Third, it's just plain fun!
While Charleston has an abundance of delicious food, intricate architecture and riveting history, the heart of the city resides in King Street's shopping district, where one-of-a-kind items lie in wait for the dedicated seeker. In fact, King Street was recently named one of the "10 Best Shopping Districts in the U.S.A." by Forbes Traveler magazine, sitting pretty next to touted strips like New York City's Madison Avenue and Miami's Design District.
Perhaps one of the factors in King Street's allure is its sheer size—shops line both sides of King for approximately 15 easily walkable blocks, from Broad Street to Spring Street, with three distinct sections. One of the most wonderful things about cruising down King is the variety of stores. You could stop in at a locally owned boutique and snag a dress or piece of jewelry made by an in-town designer and have complete confidence that when your trip is over and you return home, your look will be completely singular. For brand-name fans, the street is also stocked with national chains, ranging from Saks Fifth Avenue to Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and Abercrombie & Fitch.
The lower part of King Street, running from Broad to Market, encompasses both the "historic" and "antique" districts. Here, one will find a plaque on just about every other building describing its significance in Charleston's history, and shopkeepers with memories that stretch back into the days before computers and credit cards.
In this section of King Street, those with money to spend will find innumerable ways to do so, whether they're searching for a ball gown or tuxedo, or the perfect piece of furniture. This being the antique district, there are plenty of time-tested chairs, tables, dressers, writing desks and more for the eye to feast upon. The knowledgeable employees of these stores can explain why, for instance, wooden antiques constructed in Charleston tend to be made of mahogany-wealthy residents "had connections in the islands," Angela Mack, executive director of the Gibbes Museum of Art, told The New York Times in 2007—or how a particular carving style in an inlay demonstrates who the craftsman was.
When it comes to clothing, there's no better place than lower King to outfit yourself and your family. Ben Silver, the home for "classic style" and luxurious menswear, began when Mr. Silver himself decided to craft intricate blazer buttons that became de rigueur for universities and schools across the country, and a part of presidential wardrobes. The company is still in the blazer business today, and also has the finest selection of signature handmade silk, striped neckties in town. They've expanded their wares to include tailored women's wear, children's clothing, shoes and eyeglasses.
A mere block away, Berlin's has been catering to Charleston's elite since 1883, offering men, women and soon-to-be-brides the opportunity to be lavished with attention by the helpful staff, who will gladly help custom-tailor a suit to any body type. The other half of the legendary store, Berlin's For Women, has been dressing brides and bridal parties since the days when hats and gloves were perfunctory, and they also stock casual and business attire for everyday wear.
No outfit is complete without the perfect accessories, and the jewelry stores of lower King will make sure that every woman sparkles in all the right places. Dixie Dunbar, owner of Dixie Dunbar Studio, has been creating funky, unusual necklaces, earrings and bracelets for more than 20 years. Her elegant, Middle Eastern-inspired creations have been featured in Vogue magazine and offer the perfect complement for women with a slightly eclectic sense of style. Dazzles carries the latest from designers across the world, and has three stores on the peninsula.
Once shoppers have perused the clothiers of lower King, it's time to head north, toward the section of the street known as the "fashion district." Here, Charleston Place is home to nationwide vendors with instantly recognizable monikers: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Brookstone, Godiva and St. John, to name a few. When Charleston Place opened in 1986, it began the revolution that brought high fashion to middle King Street.
Although Charleston Place is an excellent starting point (and the perfect spot to indulge in some air conditioning in the hot summer months), the surrounding stores will certainly not impede a spending spree or stop window shoppers. Noted chains along these blocks include Banana Republic, BCBG, The Gap, Victoria's Secret, J. Crew and Caché, but the real treasures lie outside the domain of the ubiquitous.
Going Local
One store on King Street that's become a favorite stop for both locals and out-of-town visitors is K. Morgan, owned and operated by Kristin Williams. Williams spent years at Neiman Marcus and Nicole Miller before deciding to open her own boutique, and her experience helped her recognize how to create a special, memorable experience for each and every shopper—not to mention the importance of personal attention to details.
"I had been doing this for about 13 years, and you reach a level where you either do it for yourself or you cut back and focus on other things," Williams says. "I'd talked about opening a store for about six or seven years and finally said 'It's time to do it; it's now or never.'"
Williams opened K. Morgan in February 2008, with a focus on "modern, savvy shoppers" who "value comfort and functionality as much as looking fashionable." Some of the designers featured in the store include Roberto Collina, Tufi Duek, Abaeté, Yoana Baraschi, Charlotte Ronson and Kay Unger, with many more rotating in and out as seasons and trends dictate. Williams is tuned in to the needs and wants of today's woman, and aims to help each and every one find the look that works for her.
"K. Morgan tries to feature the edited collections," Williams says. "Whether you want to have a whole new wardrobe or you need one or two key pieces to give it a little pop for the season, they're modern, they're current, they're timeless. We try to pick pieces that are a little more special—it's all about the detail."
With so many hand-selected items of clothing to choose from, it's virtually guaranteed that your look will literally be one-of-a-kind, Williams says. "You're going to imagine yourself walking down the street on a trip, or here, and you can create a look that's your own style and know that it's going to be unique."
For the adventurer looking to prepare for a camping trip in one of the Lowcountry's numerous national parks, this section of King is also home to the outdoor specialists at Half-Moon Outfitters, a company that began with in 1993 with a small store and now has eight locations spread across South Carolina and Georgia.
Clothing and antiques are just a smattering of the goodies available on King Street to help you put together your look. A wide range of local salons and beauty stores can contribute significantly to any night out—or just the regular workday. Stella Nova is a treasured local institution, first opened in 1991 by the husband-and-wife team of Peter and Ginger Evans. What began as a one-chair salon turned into a multi-store empire, with seven locations across the greater Charleston area. You can walk into one of the downtown Stella Nova locations and get a chic 'do, then amble over to the other one to find the products to style it.
After purchasing the perfect dress, it's time to get something to carry along with it. Designer handbags are a must in today's high-class fashion circles, and Charleston resident Mary Norton knows firsthand how creativity and passion can help to ignite a firestorm of positive publicity. Norton started Moo Roo handbags in 1998, presenting the public with fun, flirty bags appropriate for any occasion, from prom to lunch. Moo Roo bags started winning awards and appearing on red carpets across Hollywood, with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Teri Hatcher pictured clutching one of Norton's originals. She officially changed the name of her company to Mary Norton in 2006, and opened a second store in Los Angeles' swank Melrose Place.
Of course, there's more to Charleston shopping than what's on King Street. A few blocks off the main drag, at 89 Church St., the mother-daughter team of Martine and Emilie Dulles run Dulles Designs. This one-stop shop for fine paper goods has everything one could possibly need for event planning, from invitations and announcements to thank-you cards or stationery. The Dulles experience is more than just selecting designs, however—Martine and Emilie take care to ensure that everyone who walks into the store feels welcome and unhurried. They won't hesitate to set up an appointment with potential clients searching for just the right invite.
In addition to the durable goods for sale on every block, the Charleston Farmers Market offers fresh produce, homemade crepes, and artwork and crafts for purchase every Saturday morning from May through December. Held in Marion, the grassy park that serves as downtown Charleston's centerpiece, the Farmers Market also hosts local entertainers and bands—and in the winter, a visitor from the North Pole drops in each week, much to the delight of the younger market-goers.
While fashion dominates the lower and middle parts of King Street, crossing Calhoun Street marks the passage into the Upper King Design District, an up-and-coming commercial area that recently spurred more than $400 million in private investment.
Upper King is home to a wide array of establishments, ranging from casual and fine-dining restaurants to nightclubs and commercial offices. The shopping on Upper King shifts from clothing to home-decorating stores, art suppliers and specialty shops that will delight the curious. A few eclectic stops include Three Dog Bakery, an upscale pet store that will make any pooch happy with its bakery cases full of treats for four-legged strollers only, and Blue Bicycle Books, which houses scores of used and collectible volumes and hosts regular events featuring local authors.
No matter where your stroll down King Street takes you, you're bound to find something utterly charming and uniquely Charleston.
Learn more about King Street history and emerging new businesses here.
For a guide to shopping in Charleston, click here.
Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty has the connections and insights of nine generations of Charlestonians. Daniel Ravenel SIR is an independent and locally owned company that only staffs counselors who are native to, or well-established in Charleston. We are familiar with every detail of the Charleston real estate market. We know the Battery to the Beaches and everything in between, and this makes us better able to anticipate and more importantly act on opportunities. Nearly $1 billion in real estate transactions since 1983.
Fine art gallery, framemakers and restoration studio. Coleman Fine Art has been representing regional and national artists for over 30 years. The gallery specializes in Contemporary American paintings of both the American Impressionist and Realist schools. Currently representing John Cosby, Marc R. Hanson, George Strickland, Kevin MacPherson, Mary Whyte, Gregory Packard, W. Jason Situ and Galust Berberian. Located in historic downtown Charleston and within walking distance of all major hotels. Located on Church Street.
In a 19th century brick warehouse located just north of historic Broad Street, you'll taste what the Maverick brand of southern cooking is all about. Award-winning executive chef Frank Lee starts with the Carolina Lowcountry's rich resources, then adds his own blend of flavors from Charleston's multicultural heritage. The open kitchen brings this whole process within view. Specializing in seafood and fine wines. Inducted into the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, 2008.
Charleston's Shopping District dazzles visitors
Perhaps one of the factors in King Street's allure is its sheer size—shops line both sides of King for approximately 15 easily walkable blocks, from Broad Street to Spring Street, with three distinct sections. One of the most wonderful things about cruising down King is the variety of stores. You could stop in at a locally owned boutique and snag a dress or piece of jewelry made by an in-town designer and have complete confidence that when your trip is over and you return home, your look will be completely singular. For brand-name fans, the street is also stocked with national chains, ranging from Saks Fifth Avenue to Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and Abercrombie & Fitch.
When it comes to clothing, there's no better place than lower King to outfit yourself and your family. Ben Silver, the home for "classic style" and luxurious menswear, began when Mr. Silver himself decided to craft intricate blazer buttons that became de rigueur for universities and schools across the country, and a part of presidential wardrobes. The company is still in the blazer business today, and also has the finest selection of signature handmade silk, striped neckties in town. They've expanded their wares to include tailored women's wear, children's clothing, shoes and eyeglasses.
Once shoppers have perused the clothiers of lower King, it's time to head north, toward the section of the street known as the "fashion district." Here, Charleston Place is home to nationwide vendors with instantly recognizable monikers: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Brookstone, Godiva and St. John, to name a few. When Charleston Place opened in 1986, it began the revolution that brought high fashion to middle King Street.
"I had been doing this for about 13 years, and you reach a level where you either do it for yourself or you cut back and focus on other things," Williams says. "I'd talked about opening a store for about six or seven years and finally said 'It's time to do it; it's now or never.'"
For the adventurer looking to prepare for a camping trip in one of the Lowcountry's numerous national parks, this section of King is also home to the outdoor specialists at Half-Moon Outfitters, a company that began with in 1993 with a small store and now has eight locations spread across South Carolina and Georgia.
Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty has the connections and insights of nine generations of Charlestonians. Daniel Ravenel SIR is an independent and locally owned company that only staffs counselors who are native to, or well-established in Charleston. We are familiar with every detail of the Charleston real estate market. We know the Battery to the Beaches and everything in between, and this makes us better able to anticipate and more importantly act on opportunities. Nearly $1 billion in real estate transactions since 1983.
Fine art gallery, framemakers and restoration studio. Coleman Fine Art has been representing regional and national artists for over 30 years. The gallery specializes in Contemporary American paintings of both the American Impressionist and Realist schools. Currently representing John Cosby, Marc R. Hanson, George Strickland, Kevin MacPherson, Mary Whyte, Gregory Packard, W. Jason Situ and Galust Berberian. Located in historic downtown Charleston and within walking distance of all major hotels. Located on Church Street.
In a 19th century brick warehouse located just north of historic Broad Street, you'll taste what the Maverick brand of southern cooking is all about. Award-winning executive chef Frank Lee starts with the Carolina Lowcountry's rich resources, then adds his own blend of flavors from Charleston's multicultural heritage. The open kitchen brings this whole process within view. Specializing in seafood and fine wines. Inducted into the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, 2008.
