Keeping Up With King St. From the Charleston Mercury: A Colorful Spring

Keeping Up With King Street

One of my favorites in the King Street cast of characters is Larry Gillespie. Larry and his wife Shannon own Campo Marzio at 318 King Street. As the story goes, the Gillespies were traveling in Italy a few years ago when Shannon popped into a tiny, colorful artisan gallery while Larry picked out a bench where he could chew the scenery. Enough time passed that Larry decided to check on Shannon’s whereabouts and he found her, still in the tiny Campo Marzio shop, piling up a years worth of gift giving for their return to America.

Shannon has an eye for art, having worked with some of the country’s finest public galleries. Here in Charleston she serves on the Board of Directors at the Gibbes. Larry has a keen business sense honed in 32 years in operations and new business development at Coca Cola. Together they saw promise in Campo, which combined a long history, trend-setting accessories, beautiful gift packaging and affordable price points.

As they discussed retirement and a move to Charleston, they began talks with the Campo Marzio organization about a flagship store in America. In September 2012 their move was complete, Larry and Shannon were here and the doors at 318 King Street opened.

Visibility is an issue when your frontage is in the 10’ range, but if Campo’s bold colors --including signature orange --don’t distract you from dodging pedestrians and looking at your smart phone, nothing will. The company that began with colorful journals, pens and inks (including one specially blended for the Pope) remains in high demand with twenty-first century accessories, like cases for electronics and handbags that double as briefcases. My favorite piece is the Japanese Document Holder, available in many bright colors. If I have papers with me they are in one, and people comment about how cool they look every single time. It makes a lasting impression when I give it to them on the spot, knowing there’s another one waiting for me at Campo in a new color and affordable enough to make the gesture worthwhile.

Back to the cast of characters. Larry spends a lot of time inside Campo, on the sidewalks around his store and bicycling to and from his Charleston home. At every 2nd Sunday on King Street he’s out front interacting with the crowd. He knows his home and business neighbors well, and is just the kind of engaged and engaging retailer that makes King Street the perfectly blended shopping destination we all love.

The Cooper River Bridge Run launches April’s calendar of activities. Whether you’re going for a personal best, casually enjoying the walk over the Ravenel or joining the crowd for Bloody Mary’s on King Street, it’s one of our best events and traditions. 2nd Sunday follows with its good weather guarantee. I’m told the Hat Ladies will be out in force that day in anticipation of the happiest hat-wearing day of all, Easter Sunday. Happy Spring, Happy Easter and good shopping one and all.