Keeping Up With King Street: Upstairs, Downstairs: The Changing Face of King Street

It’s boom time on King Street with many brands vying for precious few retail locations. The uniqueness of our renowned street, the people who shop it from here and everywhere, and our mix of local, regional and national stores, make it a great place for clever retailers to find a prosperous home. These smaller, niche businesses tend to be more involved in the area and inclined to participate in local events like the holiday shop and strolls.

Jennifer Davis of Domicile Real Estate Brokerage has placed quite a number of stores in their King Street locations and nicely so. She honed relationships with unique purveyors like Savannah Bee Company, Alex and Ani, and soon-to-open Roberta Roller Rabbit who will take the place of The Extra Mile. Jennifer has placed many of these by knowing the property would become available before it was on the market. Long time King Street realtors Buddy Bebergal and Kit Regnery understand that concept well. Between them they have sold and leased scores of King Street buildings because they are known and reputable in the community. Sometimes the sign never goes up.

Dearth of locations necessitates creative use of alternate spaces, upstairs locations and side streets. It’s a different approach, especially when they’re striving for walk-in traffic, but that willingness to participate in attention-getting events and campaigns with their neighbors helps put them on the map. Upstairs you’ll find The Yellow Door Gallery, John Pope Antiques,  
Paderewski/Sportsman’s Gallery, Salon Couture and the new Digital Remedy at 263 King. Digital Remedy will cure your smart phone and PC headaches quickly and painlessly; think 15-minute turnaround for phone repairs and same-day service for laptops. Easy enough to spend time on King Street while you wait.

Another upstairs delight, coming soon to183 King Street, is Susan Hull Walker’s IBU. In her own words, “I collaborate with women artisans all over the world in designing hand-created garments for women. The result is IBU, a line of hand-woven, spun, and dyed wraps, jackets, skirts, and shawls – each luxurious and unique.” The only thing more exquisite than the colors, textures and amazing variety of items available in the collection, is the design of IBU’s space itself. It’s a beautiful restoration that includes two floors of consumer-forward showrooms, ingenious dressing rooms, manufacturing space, and event space for Walker’s many social outreaches. Ibu is launching with a lot of fans already in place worldwide, and certain to bring attention to the upstairs culture of King Street. Watch for news of its opening; it will be grand. Email me at susan@kingstreetmarketinggroup.com if you want an invite.

Coming up: another cycle of festivals, events and fun downtown. Why would you go anywhere else? 2^nd Sunday on King Street is January 11 where, we all gather to celebrate our Main Street, a monthly tradition now in its fifth year. Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) hits in February with art, wildlife, education and family fun. Charleston Fashion Week, Charleston Wine + Food Festival in March, Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto and the opening of the Gaillard Performance Hall. We are blessed with a wonderful community with rich traditions. Happy New Year everyone.