Best Shopping in Charleston

Charleston has numerous attractions and entertainment to keep your attention during your stay in the city, but sometimes a vacation isn’t complete without a good, old fashioned shopping trip.  Luckily for you, Charleston has some of the best shopping venues in the country. With world-class antiques, designer boutiques, and many locally crafted souvenirs, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift to take home with you. Below, you’ll find information on two locations that contain the best shopping in Charleston, SC.

Brimming with over 300 years of history, the King Street shopping corridor has long been a commercial hub for the area. With its wide array of vendors, King Street is widely considered to have some of, if not the best shopping in Charleston.

King Street is separated into three parts: Lower, Middle, and Upper King.

Lower King (between Broad Street and Market Street) is located at the southern end of the corridor. Sometimes called the “Antique District,” this area of King Street is famous for its numerous locally-owned clothing boutiques and antique stores. Perhaps the most celebrated of all is George C. Birlant & Co., one of the oldest and largest antique establishments in the entirety of the southeast. 

Middle Street (between Market Street and Calhoun Street), sometimes referred to as the “Fashion District,” contains various kinds of clothing and accessory stores. Both national brands and local retailers can be found in this section, allowing you to find the style that perfectly fits you.

Upper King (between Calhoun Street and Spring Street) houses design and decor brands such as West Elm, but also contains a smattering of other stores such as Blue Bicycle Books as well as a variety of restaurants. 

This area also hosts events throughout the year, such as Second Sundays, when the street is closed to vehicle traffic so people can enjoy live music, as well as unique dining and shopping experiences.

King Street

Our city is also home to one of the nation’s oldest public markets, the Charleston City Market. Since 1807, this four block long market strip has been part of the cultural heart of the area. The Charleston City Market grants visitors and locals alike an unparalleled shopping experience.

With over 300 local entrepreneurs, the market has plenty to see and do. The Day Market is open every day except Christmas and hosts vendors of all kinds in open air sheds. You’ll find all manner of rare items and products such as:

• Original artwork
• Antique jewelry
• Exotic clothing
• Handmade furniture
• Books for all ages
• Artisan soaps
• Rare collectibles (coins, bills, trading cards, etc.)
• And so much more!

Some of the most notable vendors are the Gullah artisans, weavers of sweetgrass basketry, a tradition that has been carefully nurtured for generations. These baskets are one of our nation’s oldest handicrafts of African origin and are simply breathtaking. Sweetgrass baskets are highly sought after, which is why you’ll find over 50 artisans at the market making unique works for you to enjoy.

From March to December, there is also a Night Market available during weekend evenings that hosts artisans and craftspeople of all kinds.

The Charleston City Market is so popular that there are a plethora of restaurants that have popped up in the vicinity, making it easy for you to pause your shopping to try some delicious food.

Charleston City Market

These are by no means the only shopping opportunities in Charleston, SC, including at some of the art galleries around the city. If you are looking for cozy, relaxing vacation rentals to stay at while experiencing the best of what our city has to offer, contact us today.

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