Charleston’s retail market is among the Southeast’s strongest, driven by population growth, job gains, and a $14 billion tourism economy. Vacancy is near record lows at 3.5% as tenants keep absorbing more space than they give back. With limited new construction, space remains tight. Rents remain healthy, with King Street small-format space reaching $100/SF, while suburban options stay more affordable. The defining trend is experiential retail (wellness, entertainment, and showrooms) which is reshaping Charleston into a market where connection and experience drive performance.