Exciting Retail Transformation on King Street as New Brands Set Up Shop

Exciting Changes on King Street: New Retailers Move In!

Charleston is buzzing with exciting news this week as the vibrant King Street is getting a fresh retail makeover. Out with the old and in with the fashionably new! That’s right. The beloved fast-food joint Five Guys has closed its doors at 364-B King Street, but don’t fret—stepping into its place is the stylish women’s wear brand, Jenni Kayne.

A New Neighbor for Jenni Kayne

Next door to Jenni Kayne at 364-A King Street, Alice + Olivia is taking over the former spot of Groucho’s Deli, a local favorite that served the community for 21 years before closing its doors in 2022. And that’s not all! Right around the corner, the popular brand Rag & Bone has opened up shop at 363 King A and B, making King Street a hot spot for national retailers.

With all these new additions, it’s clear that King Street is becoming a priority market for brands looking to increase their presence. Tyler Freeman, an associate at The Shopping Center Group, shared how exciting it is to see so many national retailers choosing to set up shop in Charleston. “We’ve closed six deals in the last year for space on King Street,” Freeman mentioned, highlighting that there are still more deals in the pipeline.

Why King Street?

Freeman explained that the increase in national businesses looking to establish a presence here is due to Charleston being seen as a rising market. These retailers, including Jenni Kayne, which already boasts locations in cities like New York, Denver, and Atlanta, are clamoring to get into South Carolina, marking the state’s first entry for these brands. This transformation spells more choices for local shoppers and visitors alike!

Real Estate Moves

The retail shakeup comes as part of a larger plan by some savvy investors who recently picked up five properties for $15 million. Alex Westra and Jon Pannoni acquired 364 King and a strip of structures, aiming to revitalize the retail experience along this popular corridor. These two- and three-story buildings not only house exciting new shops but also contain 36 rental units on the upper levels, ensuring the space is buzzing with activity.

Costco Membership Increase: What to Expect

As Costco continues to adapt—there are about 52 million customers affected by this change—it reinforces just how vital memberships are to the retailer’s revenue. Last year, Costco’s membership fees generated a whopping $4.6 billion, a significant jump from 2022.

What About the Food Court?

As a part of this transitioning, some Costco locations in Florida have implemented stricter checks at food courts. Shoppers will see membership IDs checked before they can snag a $1.50 hot dog or pizza slice. Luckily, this shift hasn’t made its way to South Carolina stores just yet, offering us one more reason to keep visiting our local Costco.

What Else Is New in Charleston?

If you’re in the mood for something less traditional, head over to the Isle of Palms where a new shop called Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals has expanded its offerings. Featuring bikes, scooters, and beach gear at a convenient location, it’s the perfect pitstop for a family day at the beach. And for those looking for a fresh drink, check out the newly opened Rype Juice Bar on Folly Road. With smoothies, salads, and a special seven-day Refresh Program, it’s a fantastic new way to keep those late summer days healthy!

As Downtown Charleston continues to evolve, it’s safe to say we are in for a lot of exciting changes. Whether you’re shopping for the latest fashion or enjoying a refreshing juice, it appears that our streets are, indeed, alive and thriving!