Here are 8 local King Street stores to visit when you are shopping in Charleston. Small boutiques and century-old family businesses on King Street ooze southern charm on Charleston's most recognizable thoroughfare. It is recognized as one of the 10 Best Shopping Districts in the U.S. We highlight locally owned businesses that offer unique home goods, jewelry, and clothing that you won't find anywhere else.
King Street also features glitzy and easily recognizable name-brand stores like Apple, Kate Spade, Banana Republic, and Williams Sonoma. But, it's the intimate finds and rich history behind the incredible little shops offer that exhibit Charleston shopping at its best.
Whether you live in Charleston, SC or you're just visiting, spend a day shopping in Charleston SC on King Street. Calhoun Street crosses King Street at Marion Square. Businesses above Calhoun Street are referred to as upper King Street.
The fashion district encompasses the area near the Charleston Place Hotel. Louis Vuitton and other brand-name stores occupy this stretch of King Street. When you do, be sure to stop by one of these wonderful stores!
Best King Street Shopping in Charleston, SC - Downtown
Historic King Street in Charleston SC features significant buildings with charming facades, bustling sidewalks, exceptional dining, and a variety of family-owned shops to discover. Lower King Street still offers antique shops with such stalwarts as George C. Birlant and Co.
Saturdays from April to December offer an extra special treat. The Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is the place to begin your day of downtown Charleston SC shopping. And let's not forget about the monthly 2nd Sunday on King Street! Before your next South Carolina shopping trip, browse the long list of shops on King Street in Charleston, SC, and look for these great destinations:
1. Blue Bicycle Books
Blue Bicycle Books is every book lover's dream. This intimate and cozy shop offers a mix of new and used books, including literary jewels like rare first editions by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harper Lee, and William Faulkner. You'll also find dozens of new books and “just about every new and used Charleston book ever written.” Our favorite Upper King Street bookstore is very active in the community too. Don't miss Yall Fest, a celebration of young authors with over 12,000 fans and 70 authors.
2. Berlin's
For 134 years, Berlin's has provided Charleston men with the makings of an exceptional wardrobe. Shop their excellent selection of menswear in the same store that Henry Berlin, the store's founder, opened on the corner of King and Broad in 1883. Or, choose from made-to-measure and custom clothing designs for a truly unique addition to your closet.
3. Croghan's Jewel Box
Another local store on King Street with 100-year-old roots is Croghan's Jewel Box. This family-owned fine jewelry store is featured in nearly every Charleston shopping guide, and for a good reason! When you visit, you'll discover a treasure trove of dazzling estate and custom pieces you'll love. It's always fun to window shop too!
4. Candlefish Charleston
Candlefish opened its shop in 2014. Offered by the creators of Rewined Candles, and is now located at 270 King Street! This middle King Street location features a 100-candle library (offering 100 unique scents). All candles are hand poured in-store or at the Charleston, SC facility using 100% soy wax for the best quality fragrance. The original Rewined Candles can still be found in the Charleston City Market!
5. Finicky Filly
Owned by a local mother-daughter duo, Finicky Filly is a womenswear shop that promises “to please mothers and daughters – and even grandmothers – alike!” The store features high-end clothing and accessories for women of all ages.
6. George C. Birlant & Co.
Find antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries here. You simply must visit George C. Birlant & Co. This Charleston lower King Street antique store may be found in the antique district. Opened in 1922 it is one of the oldest and largest locally-owned dealers in the Southeast. The store also produces the famed Charleston Battery Bench, which features intricate cast iron sides that are still made using the original circa 1880 molds today. Looking specifically for furniture? Check out these furniture stores in Charleston.
7. M. Dumas & Sons
Founded in 1917, M. Dumas & Sons is another classic choice for menswear on King Street. You'll find the best selection of Barbour jackets in town, plus other staples of Southern style like Southern Tide and Rodd & Gunn.
8. Worthwhile
Travel + Leisure says “Charleston women buy their best friend's birthday presents,” at Worthwhile. This store has been a King Street staple for nearly 25 years. It's where you'll find avant-garde apparel, designer fashions, footwear, necklaces, books, candles, and soaps.
9. Clayton and Crume
Specializing in handcrafted and personalized leather goods, Clayton and Crume opened its 2nd retail location at the coveted King and George Street location.
Shop Until You Drop in Charleston, SC.
Then, head home and relax!
After a day of King Street shopping, nothing beats walking home to your downtown Charleston residence. Are you looking for a home or condo downtown? Pam Harrington Exclusives will help you find a wonderful place to call yours.
Since 1978, we’ve offered a variety of exceptional real estate services to area residents and visitors. At Pam Harrington Exclusives, we are happy to guide you in finding a neighborhood and home that matches your desired amenities and lifestyle needs.
You can learn more about Lowcountry properties for sale on our website and sign up for real estate alerts to stay in the know.
Then, when a special listing catches your eye, contact us to schedule a showing! Either way, we look forward to sharing our beautiful barrier island communities with you!