Best 21 Shops in Charleston SC – For All Your Needs (& Wants)
Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Molly Egan
Charleston is a charming blend of historic elegance and Southern hospitality. Enjoy shopping at the Best 21 Shops in Charleston, SC, where the cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and lively art scene create an atmosphere of timeless style and cultural allure.
Charleston, SC, is a premier destination for diverse shopping venues. These include downtown Charleston’s unique offerings, which range from local boutiques to luxury stores and high-end shopping destinations across distinct districts such as North Charleston, West Ashley, and the outlet mall, for a range of stores and savings.
Charleston’s food scene is one to take advantage of – read the best seafood restaurants here.
The attire style of Charleston is often described as Southern chic, blending classic elegance with a touch of coastal flair. Expect to see preppy influences, timeless silhouettes, vibrant colors, and a love for comfortable yet sophisticated pieces.
The Southern chic style reflects the broader shopping venues available throughout Charleston, SC. Shoppers can explore a variety of luxury stores, local boutiques, traditional malls, and unique venues like the Charleston Farmers Market, a weekly event from April to November offering fresh produce, crafts, and live music.
Palmetto-lined King Street is recognized as part of the ‘Top 10 Shopping Districts in the USA’ by Forbes Traveler. The presence of Charleston Place Hotel, home to high-end retailers, elevates luxury shopping on King Street.
For those looking to dive deeper into Charleston’s shopping scene, this Charleston shopping guide can be an invaluable resource. It highlights the diverse shopping districts, including downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and West Ashley, catering to various shopping preferences and needs.
The Best Charleston Shops:
East & Up Vintage
Cortland & Co
J. Stark
Hampden
Tucker Payne
The Finicky Filly
Julep: A Charleston Boutique
Beckett Boutique
Veronica Beard
Hausful Modern Homestore
Marsh & Magnolia
Shirtini
The Tiny Tassel
Hermosa Jewelry
Made in Heaven
Christopher Chocolatier
Redux Studios
Blue Bicycle Books
WORTHWHILE
Indigo and Cotton
The Commons
East & Up Vintage
322 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Situated on the bustling King Street, known for its eclectic mix of contemporary shops and family-owned antique shops, East & Up Vintage stands out as a must-visit for those who cherish vintage fashion and unique finds. This shop offers a curated collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and home decor items, providing shoppers with one-of-a-kind pieces that boast a timeless appeal amidst the unique boutiques, brand-name stores, and antique shops that characterize the area.
Luxury shopping enthusiasts can also find exclusive brands like Louis Vuitton in the vicinity, enhancing the high-end shopping experience on King Street. Notably, the nearby intersection with Calhoun Street serves as a crucial point of reference, connecting various shopping districts along King Street and leading into the charming neighborhood of Harleston Village.
Cortland & Co on King Street
281 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Cortland & Co is known for its beautifully curated home goods and gift selection. Explore their collection of artisanal candles, elegant tableware, and stylish decor items. They are perfect for finding that unique piece to elevate your home or as a thoughtful gift.
J.Stark
208 Coming St, Downtown
Why Visit: J. Stark is a local brand known for its high-quality leather goods, bags, and accessories. The specialize in locally made goods and best knowsn for the tote bags, backpacks, and wallets. Witness Charleston’s finest leather craftsmanship and functional style up close.
Hampden
314 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Hampden, nestled in the heart of the fashion district on King Street, stands out as a premier destination for contemporary fashion and luxury brands. CN Traveler has recognized this boutique’s high-end fashion selection of “the next big thing” for over 11 years. It offers a curated selection of designer clothing and accessories. Hampden is your go-to spot if you’re keen on discovering the latest trends within a vibrant mix of brand-name stores and locally-owned fashion boutiques.
Tucker Payne
169 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Tucker Payne offers a collection of handcrafted jewelry, including stunning rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, making it an excellent stop for those looking for unique and locally made jewelry.
The Finicky Filly
303 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: The Finicky Filly is a women’s boutique offering a range of stylish clothing, accessories, and shoes. Whether you’re looking for casual chic or elegant evening wear, they have curated collections to suit various tastes.
Julep: A Boutique near Charleston City Market
311 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Julep is a charming boutique known for its Southern-inspired clothing, accessories, and gifts. Explore their selection of breezy dresses, classic tops, and stylish clothing accessories that capture the essence of Charleston’s charm.
Beckett Boutique
482 King St, Upper King
Why Visit: Beckett Boutique, located on Upper King Street, a renowned hub for contemporary fashion and unique shopping experiences, offers a mix of modern fashion and unique accessories. Discover trendy clothing, statement jewelry, and chic handbags that reflect the latest styles. Upper King Street is celebrated for its unique home goods, jewelry, and clothing stores, making it a prime destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in a vibrant interior design and culinary district.
Veronica Beard in Downtown Charleston
268 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Veronica Beard is a luxury fashion brand with modern and chic designs. Explore their collection of sophisticated clothing, including tailored blazers, elegant dresses, and stylish separates.
Hausful Modern Homestore in Charleston, SC
161 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Hausful Modern Homestore is a modern and contemporary furniture destination where you can discover sleek and stylish pieces for your living room, bedroom, dining room, and beyond. Whether outfitting your new home—once you visit, you want to stay forever—or updating your home, this is the place for local Scandinavian-styleScandinavian-style furniture.
Marsh & Magnolia
185 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Marsh & Magnolia is known for its selection of locally made straw hats, which are especially perfect for a day at the beach. Create a custom, stylish, and functional hat to protect you from the Charleston sun while adding a Southern charm to your outfit—cowboy or straw!
Shirtini
221 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Shirtini offers an elegant selection of shirts that aren’t dress shirts—very much worth a visit for its sophisticated style of formal shirt. Explore their collection for stylish and comfortable pieces that suit various occasions.
The Tiny Tassel
363 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: The Tiny Tassel features colorful and fun accessories, including tassel earrings, statement necklaces, and vibrant hair accessories. Find the perfect pop of color to add to your outfit.
Hermosa Jewelry
254 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Hermosa Jewelry showcases handmade jewelry pieces inspired by the Lowcountry’s beauty. Discover unique designs featuring pearls, gemstones, and precious metals, perfect for a souvenir or dressing up your look!
Made in Heaven
181 King St, Downtown
Why Visit: Made in Heaven offers a collection of eclectic, bohemian-inspired clothing and accessories. Explore their selection of whimsical pieces that reflect a carefree, artistic style.
Christopher Chocolatier
164 Church St, French Quarter
Why Visit: Christopher Chocolatier is a delightful candy shop offering handmade chocolates, truffles, and confections. Indulge your sweet tooth with their artisanal treats, perfect for a unique gift or a personal treat.
Redux Studios
1056 King St, North Central
Why Visit: Charleston’s vibrant art studio and gallery space is Redux Studios. Don’t miss their first Friday open house events, where you can experience the best selection of local contemporary artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media creations. It is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s thriving art scene and discover unique pieces to add to your collection.
Blue Bicycle Books
420 King St, Upper King
Why Visit: Blue Bicycle Books is a beloved independent bookstore offering a diverse selection of new, used, and rare books. Browse the shelves, discover literary treasures, attend author events, and immerse yourself in Charleston’s literary scene.
WORTHWHILE
12 Magazine Street, Downtown
Why Visit: Worthwhile is a shop known for its curated clothing, accessories, and home goods. It focuses on independent designers that focus on quality—a great place to find a fun treat!
Indigo and Cotton
79 Cannon St, Cannonborough/Elliotborough
Why Visit: Indigo and Cotton is a clothing store specializing in high-quality and timeless essentials. From classic button-down shirts to durable denim and stylish accessories, their curated collection offers a modern take on Southern style.
The Commons
54 1/2 Broad St, French Quarter
Why Visit: The Commons is a boutique featuring a mix of local and artisanal goods, including home decor, accessories, and gifts. Explore their collection for unique finds that capture the essence of Charleston’s creativity.
Enjoy the Best Shops in Charleston SC
These Charleston shops offer diverse experiences, from vintage fashion and artisanal goods to contemporary home decor, modern furniture, stylish clothing options, beach hats, and sweet indulgences. Each stop promises a chance to discover something unique and take home a piece of Charleston’s charm.
