Discover CharlestonJohns Island SC: Old Charleston Trading Company – Furniture, Funky & Fun

By Terry Bell-Aby, Realtor, CNE, Luxury Simplified Real Estate

Literally, just off the beaten path to Johns Island SC is my favorite new furniture store – but don’t tell anybody. Once you see the unique and just plain fun items at the Old Charleston Trading Company, you’ll understand why I want to keep this between you and me. Their slogan is “interesting furniture for interesting people.” The thing is you have to want to find it. There are no permanent signs for this place, there are barriers in the road to prevent a left turn from Main Road, and even the street sign is missing. They have limited hours – only Friday through Sunday so it requires some intentional shopping and necessary pre-planning. As a local Realtor that lives on Johns Island and loves the community, these are exactly the kind of spots that I like to share with clients that are new to the area.

It’s downright hard to find on the Old Charleston Road that veers off Savannah Highway to the right as you approach the light at Bees Ferry Rd and HWY 17. It’s a quirky old building that tilts a bit and the loading dock has marvelous views of the marsh. Once inside there is clearly a story to be told.

The story is, that my friends Warren and Jim were facing a cancer diagnosis. As so many stories with cancer as the catalyst someone says something like this:

Jim:                           “Let’s not put things off.”

Warren:                  “You’re right. Let’s buy a boat.”

Jim:                           “Let’s open a furniture store.”

Warren:                  “Are you nuts? I’m gonna retire.”

Warren shared this exchange with a friend over lunch who replied, “Well, if you think of it as an adventure it will be easier.” It had always been Jim’s dream to do reclaimed wood and repurposed pieces and the next thing you know they found themselves driving around Johns Island looking for an old barn or warehouse for the business.

When Warren and Jim stopped by a friend’s damaged commercial building to lend some support and encouragement, they saw the exposed rafters and ductwork, expansive space bereft of walls, and islands of the original wood flooring through the mess. “This could work” Jim whispered and they began a conversation about fixing it up that did not include replacing the Sheetrock and fluorescent lighting.

It took some time, but by Memorial Day the stubborn glued-down carpet was removed to reveal the gorgeous floors. The roof was repaired and the exposed rafters were now home to ceiling fans with incandescent lights. Inventory had arrived and been displayed and they were ready if not for some unforeseen delays from building & zoning. In his full-time job as a customs broker, Jim had developed relationships over the years with three furniture store owners. He had worked with them on the imports and they encouraged him and gave him advice along the way. 

They have had such a great response and interest in seeing the inventory change and grow, that they have already expanded the space since my last visit in May. The clientele is now growing. People seem to love the pride of discovery and that’s half the fun. There is one couple that comes from Mt. Pleasant just about every weekend to see what’s new on their way to lunch at the Tomato Shed down the road. Dogs are welcome, kids too – and if Jim sees a husband itching to go, he offers him a beer to help him linger. “It’s more fun than I thought it would be, ” said Warren. On our first visit my husband and I both suggested they could charge slightly higher prices for the quality of the merchandise. When we told Warren the prices were too low, he chuckled and declared “I never want to sell anything I couldn’t afford myself.”

That brings me to their unique business model. They had dinner with those three furniture store owners who have coached them along the way back in April. They were all in Highpoint, NC for the accessories show and talked about the business. Jim and Warren talked about how they don’t pay commissions to their staff, but that they all make the same hourly rate and it’s a living wage. They are overly accommodating to their customers, keeping the prices low, stopping by to deliver a piece on the way home and cheerfully replacing with no hesitation, the mercury glass light fixture after it broke when “I merely lifted it from the box “ – I swear. 

NOTE: That’s precisely why we need to keep this our little secret. After all, they have already expanded once to meet demand. How are interesting people like you and I going to find our treasures if everyone in town learns about this? Shhhh.  These little “out of the way places ” are what make living on Johns Island great.  It’s the people and the stories behind them. From the Tattooed Moose to Trophy Lakes, there’s something for everyone.  Shouldn’t this be the place for your dream home?  Explore Johns Island real estate now …