Perhaps stung by criticism from zoning boards and heritage commissions in other cities, Apple’s retail planning team is taking a pro-active approach for a planned Charleston (SC) retail store on revitailzed King Street. Apple representatives have met with officials of the city’s Department of Economic Development to ask a full range of questions about the street, which the city has helped convert from seedy to upscale by recruiting national retailers, including Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, J. Crew, GAP, Ann Taylor, Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn (sound familiar?). Now the area is called the “SoHo of the South” and sports over 500,000 s.f. of retail space that is 96% occupied. Apple’s team asked about the city’s tourism industry, local economic demographics, and even strolled King Street to snap photos of possible store sites. They also questioned city officials on the procedures for installing a street-level store in the historic district, and what approvals would be required from the city’s Zoning, and Architecture & Preservation Divisions to renovate an existing space. If approved and built, it would be the first Apple store in the state.
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twitch. twitch. twitch.
Over the past 20 years, King Street has evolved from a seedy red-light district into essentially an upscale outdoor mall. With the tourist trade and local colleges, I’m glad to see Apple is finally showing an interest.
Hmmm… Where do I begin? I lived in Charleston until this year. Like the Las Vegas store, this site will surprise Apple in its success. There is the 10,000 student College of Charleston not 2 blocks from King Street. Lower King may possibly be one of the best Antique shopping districts in the entire country. Redevelopment of King is extending to Upper King street as well… salons and restaurants etc. Rents on King are high. Most of the buidings on King are three stories with small retail on ground and apartments, lofts and offices above, many of which (upper floors) are available. While the national retailers are present on middle King as stated, there are many one-off stores as well. I have always thought that King Street was very much underappreciated as many other cities and developers are spending millions buiding what King already has: a charming outdoor street level shopping district. Very Authentic. Most of Historic Charleston is only 2-4 blocks away. What else can I tell you?
I agree with Lee. Charleston is a very charming city with so much going for the area. Apple will have a broad population demographic to market to here.
My first comment: “It’s about time!”
Apple, glad you’ve recognized the potential for the Charleston area. I agree wholeheartedly with Lee, the demographic is there — the College of Charleston alone is filled with young well-off individuals who would line up to spend their money at a hip Apple Store.
Plus, I personally can’t wait to be able to buy Apple products with instant gratification without having to travel to Atlanta first!
Thanks, Apple! Make it happen! Charleston needs you, and in return you will get LOTS of switchers…
Hurry up! This switching from a PC to an Apple is much harder than it should be so I need that help!
WELL, ITS ABOUT TIME!!! This store is gonna be HUGE for both Apple & Charleston, not to mention all the surrounding areas (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Savannah, Columbia, etc). Apple picked the PERFECT spot (both city wise & street wise) for their first SC store. Can’t wait!! Hurry Hurry Hurry!!! Charleston is a wonderful city.
Sweet Apple will do good in Charleston, I’m a graphic designer it will be great to have a nearby Apple store to go to when I need to upgrade my computer and software.
Please Hurry!! With Charleston Southern University, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Medical University of South Carolina, Johnson and Wales, and Trident Technical College all in the area, HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG???? WE NEED APPLE!