Where to Shop in Charleston, According to a Teen Vogue Fashion Editor

There has not been a day where I’ve scrolled through TikTok and haven’t seen a Charleston girls trip. Charleston, South Carolina, with its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored, French Quarter architecture, and Southern charm, has always been a favorite getaway. But lately, this historic city is making a new name for itself as a Gen Z TikTok hotspot for young travelers, especially those seeking coastal relaxation, vintage finds, and a dash of luxury. In particular, Charleston has become a destination where the past meets the present, offering a shopping scene that blends timeless pieces with Southern hospitality.

As a Carolina girl myself, I’ve always enjoyed everything Charleston has to offer, but now more than lately it’s become one of my favorite places to visit. I made my way down a few weeks back to escape the northern winter still rampaging through New York City, and dove into some retail therapy. History (and the preservation of its landmarks) is such a monumental part of what makes a great place to visit for me personally. So between stopping by the International African American Museum and staying at The Dewberry Hotel, I wanted my trip to be filled with long-lasting memories and high-quality shopping finds. For those who love vintage shopping, Charleston is a goldmine. The city's quaint boutiques and curated consignment shops are filled with treasures that bring a sense of nostalgia and individuality. I was specifically excited to explore the Bal Harbour Pop Up as I'd been to their luxury stores while back home in Miami. So, I was excited to see the ways they brought that Floridian Southern flare to one of my favorite coastal towns. With Charleston’s blend of old-world charm and contemporary style, it's easy to see why vintage shopping here is a viral sensation.

Below, I’ve rounded up some popular shopping spots when visiting Charleston. From luxury to vintage and everything in between.

Bal Harbour Pop Up

Founded in 1965, BAL HARBOUR SHOPS is an internationally recognized, storied destination that is home to 100 of the world’s most coveted luxury brands, including Chanel, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and many more. In celebration of the shopping plaza, they’ve taken the shops on the road, Charleston being one of them. From Johanna Ortiz to Balmain and Golden Goose, the luxury plaza has a slew of one-of-a-kind shopping pieces.

Exchange Factor

Located in North Charleston is Exchange Factor, a popular vintage and secondhand store for anyone looking to gain some unique pieces. The store's purpose is to promote recycling and reusing through buying, selling and trading clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. With two stores now open, these visionaries are continuing to spread their purpose. Shopping at The Exchange Factor is like "Christmas everyday."

Closet Case

Closet Case is a gender-inclusive shopping space of carefully curated items that range from high-end to vintage to trendy styles. They also carry a few knick knacks and rare collectibles. They’re all about affordable shopping while giving back to the community. They’re the only LGBT-owned and operated thrift store in South Carolina.

Fairside Vintage

Fairside is another popular vintage shop when you’re hanging out in Charleston. Farside Vintage presents a thoughtfully curated collection of distinctive clothing and accessories that epitomize timeless style. Their team carefully selects pieces from different eras, ensuring their quality and capturing the essence of fashion history.

Selective

Since 2020, Selective has become one of Charleston's go-to destinations for vintage clothing. The store specializes in vintage clothing from the 1960s to the 1990s, and they offer a carefully curated collection of vintage clothing, records/CDs and accessories.