National retailers seek out Charleston with shops coming to James Island, downtown (2024)

A national tool retailer is adding a fourth Lowcountry location that will be more accessible to trade professionals and other customers in West Ashley and James Island.

Harbor Freight Tools is slipping into the former Tuesday Morningslot this summer in Island Plaza at 1291 Folly Road. At 26,680 square feet, it will be one of the chain’s largest brick-and-mortar outlets. An exact opening date will be announced later.

“We’ve been looking to open another location in Charleston County, and specifically in James Island, for a while now, but we always believe in waiting until we find a location that meets our needs and the needs of our customers: good visibility, easy access, ample parking and the right square footage,” spokesman Craig Hoffman said.

The California-based company's nearest location in the region is in North Charleston. Other stores are in Summerville and Moncks Corner.

“Many of our customers are professional trades workers who want to stop in, find what they need and then head out quickly to their job site or workshop,” Hoffman said.

He added the James Island store will hire about 30 workers.

Harbor Freight, which first opened 45 years ago, also runs its largest import distribution center in the Pee Dee region. The site delivers merchandise to many of its stores via the S.C. State Ports Authority’s Inland Port Dillon.

Fashion forward

The Charleston Place will welcome a new luxury fashion tenant this fall.

La Linge will move into one of the hotel and retail property's King Street storefronts.

Founded in 2016 by Meredith Melling, Valerie Macaulayand Molly Howard, the apparel brand is known for its classic striped everyday essentials and statement pieces.

The collection is sold online and at namesake boutiques on Madison Avenue in New York City, Highland Park Village in Dallas andThe Royal Poinciana in Palm Beach, Fla., among others. La Linge goods also are carriedbyNet-a-Porter, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Gone fishin’

Walmartis looking to lure more anglers with a recently launched live bait pickup and delivery servicenow available at nearly 3,300 U.S. stores, including 17 in the Lowcountry and 57 others throughout South Carolina.

The retail giant said the new option is available "a click away" on its app.

Customers can pick up their bait orders or have them delivered between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. for a fee ranging from $7.95 to $9.95 for a maximum three-hour window to $10 for an express 30-minute drop-off.

The charges don't apply toWalmart+members.

It's a workout

Another gymoperator will be setting up shop atMorrison Yard.

With more than 86 studios in 14 countries, Barry's will add its first South Carolina location by the end of the year, according toHill Partners, Inc., a real estate firm that manages the retail listings for the upper peninsula property.

Gymgoers can participate in high-energy cardiovascular and strength interval training workouts. Barry's also offers classes that blend high-intensity treadmill cardio with strength training.

The company, which was started in Los Angeles in 1998, is leasing a 4,072-square-foot studio at Morrison Yard, near Morrison Drive and the foot of the Ravenel Bridge. Another workout spot, Bodyrok, previously announced plans to open a franchise location in the mixed-use development.

Holistic healing

Johns Island Acupunctureopened this week at 1807 Crowne Commons Way in Live Oak Square. OwnerTreayor Smithsaid hespecializes in addressing chronic pain, sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He's also experienced in working with military veterans and patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.