Your Guide to High-End Shopping in Charleston, SC

The largest city in The Palmetto State, Charleston has something for everyone. One of the most important things the city has to offer is endless shopping. With its string of luxury stores and wide array of local boutiques, Charleston, SC has no shortage of shopping venues.

Get the best shopping experience in Charleston, SC by following our comprehensive guide below.

Best places to go shopping in Charleston, SC

Charleston certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the best shopping spots in South Carolina. From specialty shops to luxury boutiques, these high-end shopping destinations in Charleston, SC never disappoint.

Home to historical buildings, art galleries, and unique shops, King Street is a destination in its own right. Its rich history dates back to the 1700s. As Charleston’s main road, King Street became the hub of recreational and commercial activities like shopping, dining, and port trading. After its urban revitalization from 2000 to 2009, King Street succeeded in burnishing its reputation, earning it a spot among America’s “Top 10 Shopping Streets” from the U.S. News and World Report.

King Street is divided into three districts: The lower, middle, and upper district.

• The lower district, which is called Lower King, offers one-of-a-kind antique finds and contemporary art.
• Also known as the Fashion District, Middle King features locally owned boutiques, luxury retail stores, and international brands.
• For dining and interior design, head to Upper King Street. Some of the best home decor stores like Pottery Barn, House of Nomad, and Amanda Lindroth are located here. Upper King Street is also a well-known culinary destination, beloved for everything from pizza pubs to fine dining restaurants.

If you’re looking for chic and stylish outfits, RTW Charleston has exactly what you need. Established in 1978, this independent specialty shop offers carefully curated, ready-to-wear outfits for women. RTW’s extensive collection comes from all over the world, including France, Italy, and England.

The shop’s collection isn’t limited to clothes. To complete your look, there is a wide array of shoes, accessories, and jewelry for sale. For a fantastic, high-end shopping experience in Charleston, SC, you can even enlist the help of the store’s expert personal stylists to create the perfect look.

RTW Charleston is located at 186 King Street.

Located at the lobby of The Charleston Place hotel, The Shops features an exclusive collection of high-end brands like Gucci, Kate Spade, and Louis Vuitton. Discover the latest fashion pieces or browse through the chic boutique stores. Whether you’re shopping for the finest clothes or premium accessories, you’ll find them here at The Shops.

Once you’re done perusing the shops, check out the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, the Charleston Grill. Led by Executive Chef Michelle Weaver, the Charleston Grill serves a delicious selection of Southern and French-inspired dishes.

The Shops at Charleston Place is located at 205 Meeting Street.

Discover handcrafted items, artisanal products, and luxury furniture at The Hidden Countship. The best Italian artisans and makers created each item in this unique specialty store. Looking for extraordinary pieces to add to your jewelry collection? The Hidden Countship has a curated selection of earrings and bracelets. Other items that you’ll find here are high-quality Italian linens, woven hand towels, and one-of-a-kind Italian bags.

The Hidden Countship is located at 21 Burns Lane.

When it comes to unique and avant-garde clothing, WORTHWHILE has the right pieces that will build your wardrobe. This high-end shopping destination in Charleston, SC, which was established in 1993 and is currently housed in a renovated 19th-century property, features carefully selected pieces from international brands and designers. Shoppers will also discover a wide array of shoes, bags, jewelry, and accessories. Although the items here are pricier than most, the quality and the uniqueness of each item are worth the price tag.

WORTHWHILE’s brick & mortar shop is located at 12 Magazine Street.

Specializing in tailored clothing for men, Ben Silver is the go-to store for a high-quality and timeless wardrobe. The shop started making men’s overcoats in the 1960s and transitioned to traditional blazers later on. Now, Ben Silver continues to create notable outerwear for men and has expanded their collection to include clothing for women.

Ben Silver is located at 149 King Street.

Another top-notch shop along King Street is Ensemble Consignment Boutique. Get stylish, pre-loved items for only a fraction of the cost. The shop’s excellent inventory includes everything from garments to shoes, which fit all styles, shapes, and sizes. The luxury brands in the store include Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford.

Ensemble Consignment Boutique is located at 444 King Street.

Established in 1917, M. Dumas & Sons is a staple on King Street. Hailed as one of the best men’s clothing stores in Charleston, the shop features a huge collection of brands representing both business and casual wear. Looking for the right shoes to go with your stylish look? M. Dumas & Sons offer a wide variety of styles like sneakers, penny loafers, and oxford shoes.

Dumas & Sons is located at 294 King Street.

Tanger Outlets are found across the US but Charleston undoubtedly has the best one. With its well-designed layout and walkability, this outdoor mall is easy to explore. Shoppers will find over 100 stores here, from Adidas to Michael Kors.

Although there are no dining options within the outlet mall itself, there are several restaurants close by. Sweetgrass Restaurant & Porch in the Crowne Plaza North Charleston is known for its tapas-style menu and Southern cuisine. Whether you’re hungry for breakfast or wanting a bite after a long day, Sweet Restaurant & Porch has got you covered!

Tanger Outlets, Charleston is located at 4840 Tanger Outlet Boulevard, North Charleston.

For a top-flight shopping experience, head to Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. This open-air shopping area, which is less than 20 minutes away from Charleston, covers around 51 acres and is home to more than 60 shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces. Mount Pleasant Towne Centre has everything you need in one place, from athleisure wear to home furnishings.

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is located at 1218 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant.

How to have the best shopping experience in Charleston, SC

Make your next shopping trip to Charleston an enjoyable one with these top tips and tricks:

1. Check store hours

Shopping hours vary among stores. Some open late, others close shop earlier. If you have your eye on a specific Charleston boutique or shopping destination, check out their store hours on their website or social media accounts. Some shops, especially the ones that offer tailoring services and custom apparel, are open by appointment only.

2. Secure your parking

Parking can be a challenge in some shopping areas. That’s why being aware of Charleston’s parking rules and knowing the different parking spots can already improve your shopping experience even before it starts.

In Downtown Charleston, for example, the majority of street parking is metered. On Sundays and on certain holidays, street parking is free.

Look for parking garages throughout the city. They’re convenient, well maintained, and offer easy payment options.

3. Consult in-store stylists

Many clothing stores today employ in-store stylists to help shoppers. These fashion-forward mavens can help customers choose the kind of items that will elevate personal style and create a unique look.

Complete the high-end shopping experience in Charleston, SC by consulting the expert stylists at RTW Charleston. Call to find out if walk-ins are allowed or if appointments are needed. Expect a few shop owners to chime in largely because they know their merchandise very well

4. Explore the area

One of the best things about shopping in Charleston, SC is that the fun never ends. After you’ve purchased everything you want (and then some), explore the areas around the local boutiques, luxury stores, and shopping malls.

In King Street’s Historic District, get your fill of art and culture at the Grand Bohemian Gallery, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Gibbes Museum of Art. Itching to watch the latest movies on the big screen? Enjoy the full cinematic experience at the Regal Palmetto Grande, a sizable movie theater across Mount Pleasant Town Centre.

Want to know more about Charleston, SC? Click here.

Living in Charleston, SC

Overview of the Charleston, SC real estate market

Aside from being amongst the top travel destinations in the country, Charleston is also one of the most sought-after places to live. The city’s strong economy, vibrant culture, and laid-back coastal lifestyle are just some of the many reasons people are making the move here.

The nonstop demand for properties has resulted in a housing market where residential real estate inventory is low. According to the Charleston Regional Business Journal, available single-family homes decreased by 53%. Charleston’s housing inventory now sits at 347 in 2022, after starting from 741 during the first quarter of 2021.

It’s not uncommon to see a home in Charleston get snapped up as soon as it is listed. A Charleston property for sale will usually stay for around 25 days on the market compared to double the number of days before.

A common strategy for buyers eager for a home in Charleston is to pay in cash. An all-cash deal gives the buyer a competitive edge. Other strategies buyers employ or get a leg up include getting a mortgage pre-approval, reducing home buying contingencies, and being flexible when it comes to dates.

Read more: The Charleston Real Estate Market in 2022: A Year-end Review

Best neighborhoods in Charleston, SC

Charleston has some of the most amazing neighborhoods in and around the city. Whether you’re looking for a historic area in the heart of downtown or a quiet locale away from the hustle and bustle, there’s a neighborhood here to suit everyone.

Check the best Charleston neighborhoods below:

• Harleston Village

One of the oldest and biggest neighborhoods in Charleston, Harleston Village is at the center of all the action. It’s surrounded by the bustle of King Street, Calhoun Street, and Broad Street. When you live in Harleston Village, everything you need is within reach, from coffee shops to grocery stores.

Harleston Village is historic in its own right. The birthplace of American golf is said to be in the neighborhood park. In 1786, a group of Scottish merchants founded the Harleston Green golf (also known as the South Carolina Golf Club) and used “golf balls” stuffed with goose feathers instead of the ones we know today. The College of Charleston, whose history dates all the way back to 1770, was also established in Harleston Village.

Homes for sale in Harleston Village range from historic mansions to modern homes. Condos and multi-family properties are available as well.

• West Ashley

A charming and vibrant district in Charleston, SC West Ashley is an incredible place to call home. It’s got high-end shopping and great dining options. There’s a plethora of things to do. And its location along the Ashley River offers gorgeous views of the water.

Living in West Ashley gives you access to countless amenities and outdoor activities. Pedal your way down the 2.5-mile West Ashley Bikeway or spend an afternoon at the expansive West Ashley Park. Beaches, historical landmarks, and other attractions are close by as well.

• South of Broad

Discover South of Broad, a stunning Charleston area that boasts of a rich history and culture. Situated at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, this exclusive neighborhood is home to world-class restaurants, fantastic shopping options, and incredible art galleries.

Here, the sheer variety of architectural styles and one-of-a-kind homes promise a breadth of options. Each property has a unique history and characteristics.

• Grimball Gates

Established in 2001, Grimball Gates features palmetto-lined streets, scenic views, and a laid-back atmosphere. This premier neighborhood is located on Johns Island in Charleston County. An advantage of living in Grimball Gates is its convenient location. Residents can easily access Downtown Charleston, Seabrook Island, and Kiawah Island.

Read more: Complete Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC

Explore life in Charleston, SC today

Every neighborhood and the spectacular shopping opportunities in Charleston, SC are just a glimpse of what you can expect when you live in the city. Plus, delight in the city’s history, character, and endless fun.

Ready to explore more of what Charleston, SC has to offer? Get in touch with me, Carmilla Rená Brown, a Certified Luxury Agent with Keller Williams Realty-Charleston and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing.

Born and raised in the Holy City, I know Charleston like the back of my hand. With my expert knowledge and years of real estate experience, I can match you with a Charleston neighborhood and property that suits your needs, wants, and lifestyle.

Let’s talk more about Charleston, SC! Give me a call 843.926.2007 or send me an email. You can also reach out to me here.