Consignment shopping is one of the hottest trends sweeping the nation…for fashionable Hollywood superstars who seem to adore their vintage clothing to the financially constrained college kids who love saving a few bucks, and everyone in-between. According to Rachel McKenna, more and more vacationers to the area are getting a handle on the local consignment establishments before they arrive so they can hit the ground running for a day or two of bargain shopping while in town.
"I got into the consignment business about five years ago," states McKenna, an interior designer who now owns an upscale consignment store in Charleston. "Right now, consignment shopping is very trendy. People just love to buy other people's items at a reduced price."
McKenna owns the Trunk Show located at 281 Meeting St. in downtown Charleston. She views her store as an affordable alternative to acquire elegant designer clothing, accessories, and refined vintage clothing for women with discriminating taste. Her store also carries some fine furniture.
"Shoppers find nice quality items at about 65% off the retail price," explains McKenna. "I think we have quite a few in the Charleston area that are really good consignment shops. They all have their own little niche."
According to McKenna, Charleston has become a haven for upscale consignment stores in part because there are so many people moving into the area. "There are people moving into the area that need more things," she continues. "Or they need Charleston furniture versus California furniture. There are college kids looking to furnish apartments, or buy great clothing at a discount. It's really very diversified as to what kinds of customers we get. Even the courtier clothes and the jewelry and the bags…some people just can't afford to buy them retail. I personally would never buy retail because I know I don't have to.
"I know some women who live in Charleston that just love to shop," adds McKenna. "They know that in a consignment store there's something different to look at just about every day."
For a guide to shopping in Charleston, click here.
Charleston's manufacturing jeweler with an experienced staff of certified gemologists, diamond, colored stone graders and master jewelers. “Skatell” her how you feel with heartfelt engraving, a special stone or a custom-designed mounting; all made to your exacting standards.
Visit our elegant 19th century headquarters in beautiful Charleston to find the finest shirtings, tailored garments and understated accessories. Classic style has always been our business. When unable to visit us, please browse our site or call us for our catalog: 1-800-221-4671.
Freshfields Village is a neighborhood of locally owned businesses located close to Charleston’s sea island resorts, where shop owners and their customers know each other by first-name. Like the village greens in 1800’s, Freshfields is a center for entertainment.
Consignment shopping is one of the hottest trends sweeping the nation…for fashionable Hollywood superstars who seem to adore their vintage clothing to the financially constrained college kids who love saving a few bucks, and everyone in-between. According to Rachel McKenna, more and more vacationers to the area are getting a handle on the local consignment establishments before they arrive so they can hit the ground running for a day or two of bargain shopping while in town.
"Shoppers find nice quality items at about 65% off the retail price," explains McKenna. "I think we have quite a few in the Charleston area that are really good consignment shops. They all have their own little niche."
Charleston's manufacturing jeweler with an experienced staff of certified gemologists, diamond, colored stone graders and master jewelers. “Skatell” her how you feel with heartfelt engraving, a special stone or a custom-designed mounting; all made to your exacting standards. 
Visit our elegant 19th century headquarters in beautiful Charleston to find the finest shirtings, tailored garments and understated accessories. Classic style has always been our business. When unable to visit us, please browse our site or call us for our catalog: 1-800-221-4671.
Freshfields Village is a neighborhood of locally owned businesses located close to Charleston’s sea island resorts, where shop owners and their customers know each other by first-name. Like the village greens in 1800’s, Freshfields is a center for entertainment.
