Explore South Carolina's Top Shopping Spots
Take a walk through a picturesque marketplace, enjoy the sights and sounds of grand outlets, or explore the local boutiques of a charming shopping district in the Palmetto State. There is no shortage of holiday cheer to enjoy and exclusive gifts to find. Don't forget to look up the events calendar before you travel, as there are often special holiday-themed events hosted around the state throughout the season. With so many options, this holiday season promises to be the perfect opportunity to explore and shop in South Carolina!
Charleston City Market, Charleston, SC
You might need to bundle up if balmy Charleston weather isn’t in the forecast. This open-air market dates to 1804 and offers plenty of epic, handcrafted gifts, like the highly coveted sweet grass baskets. Not to mention you’ll be doing Charleston artisans a favor by shopping local—look for the Certified Authentic Handmade in Charleston seal.
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, SC
It’s shopping with a view at North Myrtle Beach’s Barefoot Landing (although it’s recommended you wear shoes). More than 75 national brands and gorgeous shops and restaurants line the boardwalks, usually featuring loads of Christmas lights. And if you need to take a breather from all that shopping, set your sights on a live dinner theater or a riverboat cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Shops at Greenridge, Greenville, SC
With dozens of big-name retailers, local stores, and tons of eateries to fuel your spending spree, you can satisfy every item on your list in a single day of shopping without driving all over town. Get into the holiday spirit and feel extra jolly as you load up your arms with your retail bounty.
Gaffney Outlet Marketplace, Gaffney, SC
Can you say “selection?” Because you’ll find plenty of that at Gaffney Outlet Marketplace. Located right off I-85, you’ll find the biggest names in factory outlet stores with prices to fit any budget. Check their website before you go for extra savings at several of their stores. Who knows? You might even have enough cash left over to treat yourself to something nice.
Coastal Grand Mall, Myrtle Beach, SC
Bring your walking shoes—you’re going to need them! Coastal Grand Mall provides plenty of variety to make your Christmas shopping a one-day excursion. There’s food, shops, a movie theatre, and even a recreation area for the kids. Once you’ve strolled the massive indoor perimeter, don’t forget to check out their outside annex.
The Market Common, Myrtle Beach, SC
It’s big city shopping with a small-town flair. The Market Common is a mecca of shopping, eating, and living designed to mimic the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of larger cities. There’s plenty of free parking on the streets and in the massive parking garage, and since the area is somewhat small you’ll never have to walk more than a couple blocks to get around.
Greenville’s West End District, Greenville, SC
Greenville’s historic Main Street has always been considered a spending paradise, but its multiple facelifts throughout the past decade or so have only upped the ante. A few high-end stores are scattered in between popular brands and splendid specialty boutiques, with a bevy of restaurants dotting the path when you need to refuel. The scenery alone will make your entire trip worth the walk.
Hammock Shops Village, Pawley's Island, SC
This charming little seaside shopping area has “beach life” written all over it. There are 22 tremendous shops offering clothing, shoes, jewelry, and handmade gifts, and other fineries. Tucked right off the main highway, it’s bound to be less crowded and less hurried than any mall or superstore.
The Shops at Charleston Place, Charleston, SC
Sophistication? Check. Scenery? Check. Thrilling selection of shops? Check. When it comes to holiday shopping, The Shops at Charleston Place turns the season’s biggest stress into the season’s greatest experience. You’ll discover fun, eclectic stores, like the Art of Shaving, and familiar names, like Tommy Bahama and Godiva. In addition, they have an entire Christmas miniature village on display, complete with a train designed and built in South Carolina.
Rock Hill Galleria, Rock Hill, SC
Being so close to Charlotte, you’d expect to find a slew of quality shopping meccas filled with your favorite brands in Rock Hill, and the Rock Hill Galleria is just the place. And don’t forget to bring your kids—or your pets—to get a photo with Santa.
The Village at Sandhill, Columbia, SC
Shopping, dining, street performers… it’s nothing short of spectacular. You’ll find some of the best stores a mall can offer but without the mall. All the stores are close together, so park once and get ready to help Santa tackle his Nice list in one powerful swoop.
Magnolia Park, Greenville, SC
Where the Greenville Mall once stood only a decade ago has now been overtaken by an emergence of specialty shops known as Magnolia Park. Right alongside humming Woodruff Road, shoppers can fill their carts and bellies with varied offerings of clothing, gourmet foods, jewelry, toys, and charming knickknacks.
Downtown Sumter, Sumter, SC
Thanks to revitalization efforts, downtown Sumter has become quite the small business shopping destination. You’ll find a fun clothier for boys and men, specialty gift stores, a vintage music store, women’s clothing shops, and plenty more to fulfill your family’s wish list.
Downtown Conway, Conway, SC
Christmas abounds in downtown Conway, complete with sparkling light displays and Christmas trees. With the waterfront as a backdrop, you can stroll among the specialty stores in search of the perfect gift worthy of a place under your tree. Santa’s even been known to make an appearance or two, so make sure you put your best foot forward when battling the holiday shopping army.
