World-Class Shopping Destination

By Patra Taylor

When Travel + Leisure’s 2010 America’s Favorite Cities readers’ poll ranked downtown historic Charleston No. 1 out of 35 cities for best shopping and best antique stores, the news came as no surprise to shopping aficionados across the country.

Escaping the cement jungles of big cities like New York, Boston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., Charleston’s friendly, laid-back and usually warm climate is considered an open-air delight, as in-the-know shoppers wander from locally owned (and fairly priced) stores to restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.

Venturing down Broad Street is one of the most charming experiences visitors to the city can enjoy. Continuing its traditional role as Charleston’s economic hub, Broad Street is home to a number of interesting shops, drawing passers-by in with their unique offerings of clothing, fashion accessories, home décor items, gifts and collectibles. And the discerning eye is drawn to those special local favorites, like Paulo Geiss Jewelers, tucked away just off the beaten path.

The beauty and character of Broad Street also provides the perfect backdrop for Gallery Row, the city’s most diverse collection of fine art galleries. “The Row” spotlights the works of many of the city’s treasured local emerging and nationally recognized artists who offer art connoisseurs originals and prints in a variety of media, including oils, clay, stone, pastels, art glass, sculpture, acrylics, pottery, watercolors, mixed media and photography.

Just around the corner on East Bay Street, ladies and gentlemen can enjoy a break from their active day to experience the romance and sophistication of the past. Exclusively designed for men, Gents Barber Spa combines the best of barbering and styling techniques for a new type of haircut experience, and offers services that have historically been geared toward women to men, such as manicures, pedicures, facials and massages. Not to be left out, Ladies Pamper Spa caters to women, bringing together hair salon and spa services in a boutique and relaxing setting.

The historic French Quarter, an “unmarketed” section of Charleston, is filled with shops, art galleries and dining spots. This State/Church/Meeting streets district is truly an old-world Charleston experience.

Located in the heart of Charleston, the Old City Market has been a primary shopping district in the city for over 200 years, drawing millions of tourists annually with its colorful variety of wares and dining options. Those venturing further up Market Street from Meeting will find a more upscale flavor, a place where King Street’s Antiques District has spilled over; and the many retail offerings includes Alpha Dog Omega Cat, a specialty shop that caters to pet lovers.

Where the Old City Market meets Meeting Street, visitors find the home of T-shirts and souvenir stores, more restaurants and even the Trunk Show, one of the city’s upscale consignment shops.

But even as historic downtown Charleston grabs the headlines for its dynamic and ever-changing shopping experiences, the entire region has followed suit in the art and craft of retailing. Beautiful bridges crossing rivers and marshlands lead to oak-lined thoroughfares, making movement between shopping hubs throughout the region delightful by car — especially a convertible.

Charleston shopping offers everything from highly coveted hand-made crafts, such as sweetgrass baskets in local markets, to trendy designer fashions, on par with the current styles and designs of New York, Paris and South Beach.

One of the favorite off-peninsula shopping adventures is Freshfields Village located just before the gate at Kiawah Island. This posh shopping area is a perfect place to spend an afternoon.

In the other direction is Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, located just a short trip across the beautiful Cooper River Bridge. Mount Pleasant boasts many nooks and crannies for fun days of shopping and gallivanting. Don’t forget to stop at Skatell’s, where you can browse a vast collection of jewelry. Because they are a manufacturing jeweler, they can also custom-make any piece your heart desires. Mount Pleasant’s Old Village, tucked along the mouth of Shem Creek, also offers quaint shopping and dining options.

Serious shoppers won’t want to miss Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, one of the area’s modern shopping venues. Towne Centre is reminiscent of an “uptown” shopping district where shoppers stroll along tree-lined streets to window shop. Books, shoes, music, clothing, accessories and home furnishings are all available at Towne Centre.  Don’t forget dinner in a relaxed family atmosphere and a movie at the 16-screen, state-of-the-art theater before calling it a day.

Upscale women’s clothing at discount prices can be found at either of Butterfly Consignments’ two Mount Pleasant stores. And for a special treat, visitors won’t want to miss Boone Hall Farm Market, which carries a full line of locally grown South Carolina produce, meats and specialty products.

Beachfront shopping is all the rage on the Isle of Palms. Whereas only a few retailers exist on Sullivan’s Island, a stop at Poe’s for lunch or High Thyme for brunch are the spots one is mostly likely to run into Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, or Reese Witherspoon, all residents of the island.

Whatever you're seeking, from the fashionable to the exotic to the rare, Charleston guarantees a memorable "shop until you drop" experience.

View our guide to shopping in Charleston.

Daniel Ravenel - Sotheby's 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.

Coleman Fine Art 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.

Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre Conveniently close to Charleston, Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is upscale shopping with a classic southern style. Find over 65 national brands and unique local shops, including: Caché, Men's Wearhouse, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Gap, Bath & Body Works, J.Jill, Coldwater Creek and Francesca's. Home-made crafts, mouth-watering dining and tree lined streets to stroll. Take a movie break at the luxurious Palmetto Grande 16-screen theatre. Spend an hour or spend the entire day! Check website for coupons and special events.