If you are an avid shopper or just someone who feels a bit out of the loop, then it’s time you get an update on all the stores that have recently opened up. Downtown is bustling with tourists now so it makes sense that there is an influx of new places coming to Charleston! Now here are a couple of places you should check out! 

CHARLESTON CRAFTS COOPERATIVE GALLERY- 140 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

This store is not a chain, but instead a collection of local Charleston craft pieces. Originally opened in 1989, the coop of goods has managed to develop into a new more localized location. The gallery is a great place to get gifts with a local feel. They offer a large range of goods that will truly satisfy any shopper who wants a piece of Charleston. Locals might not be as inclined to buy something that represents that city they spend a bit too much time in, but it is perfect for those who don’t live here. Now if you have a friend who wants a genuine souvenir then this is a great place to stop by. It also will be a great place to shop for Christmas gifts for those relatives who don’t live here! They have a great selection of local jewelry that has a bit more of an artisan feel. If you happen to be near a rainbow row, this is a cute little store to check out!

Reformation- 287 King St Charleston, SC 

I was in absolute shock when I was walking on King Street and I spotted this store. Now reformation having a store in Charleston is a MILESTONE for our quaint town. The California-based retailer originally started as a vintage reseller, but as it grew, it started to produce their clothes. The company prides itself on its sustainability. Their catchphrase is “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. Reformation is #2. ”. The company has a mission by 2025 to be carbon positive, so they will be removing more carbon than they will be producing. The company does not have many stores, with only 43 nationwide, so the fact they came to Charleston is quite remarkable. It also should be noted that almost half of their stores are located in California and New York, so it makes the presence a bit more rewarding. Now the backstory of the store is not even the best part. Their extremely high-quality, sustainable, and vintage-inspired clothing offers a great addition to the King Street shopping experience. The store is also quite high-tech with a change in how you shop. Instead of grabbing all of the things you want to try on, you order the clothes on a touchscreen tablet and when the room is ready they will call your name. The coolest thing about the process is that not only you can change the lighting in the room, but you also can order other sizes or clothes and they will appear in a hidden closet in the room. It’s quite a snazzy place, but definitely on the pricier side, with clothes ranging from $100 to $400 on average, with some reaching the 1k mark! It’s safe to say that this store is great if you want a nicer experience and high-quality sustainable clothing, but if you are looking for something a bit more affordable, this might not be the best choice for you. 

Gorjana-418 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

King Street has recently seen an influx of jewelry stores, and Gorjana is not an exception to this wave. The store originated in Laguna Beach, California, and tends to carry jewelry that matches the aesthetic of the area it’s from. The jewelry is relatively affordable with a large selection of types of jewelry. They offer silver, gold plated, as well as solid gold, which is nice to have for those who want more of an investment piece. The prices are reasonable for the quality with plated pieces going for about $50, whereas the solid gold comes in at about $200, which is level with the current market. This store has grown quite popular with quite a few students already having their jewelry that they love. Caroline Uram states that “the girls that work there are super sweet and helpful. I also like how the jewelry pieces are laid out so you can try them on. It’s one of my staple stores when going on King!”It’s safe to say that she is obsessed with the store! 

Abercrombie and fitch-235 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

 One of the newest additions to King is the New York-based retail. The store, originally a sporting goods store, has been going for a whopping 130 years. Of course, they no longer have a large focus on sporting goods, but instead are known for their extreme influence on the early 2000s fashion. A&F has since rebranded and now has more modern fashion choices and truly is making a comeback. I mean It’s not cheap to have a store on King Street, so they have made a full 180. The clothes themselves are somewhat affordable and offer a similar style to Madewell and Anthropologie. Some might even say the clothes are a more simplistic version of American Eagle. Their clothes tend to have similar pricing to Urban Outfitters, with a simple top going for about $40 and dresses for $100 They do have quite high-quality jeans and are known for their curve-love jeans. Some of their clothes have managed to make it to my Christmas List as their mini tees are adorable and have multiple designs.  I have yet to make it to the store, but a friend of mine did note that when she went into the store the AC was fully broken. It’s safe to say that she did not last long in that store, but since then they most likely have resolved that issue. If you want a place to try on some jeans or want a cute, more casual style then you should check out Abercrombie and Fitch on King St!

If you have suggestions for me to explore or want a food addition please comment below or find me in the halls!!