February 12, 2026

Sephora Expands Charleston Presence, Signaling Retail Growth

Charleston, SC, February 12, 2026

Sephora is expanding its footprint in Charleston, SC, by opening a new store at Tanger Outlets and a standalone location in Mount Pleasant. These developments highlight the region’s robust retail growth and economic vitality, reflecting a strategy focused on enhanced accessibility and consumer demand. The expansions are expected to create new jobs and promote local economic growth, reinforcing Charleston’s position as a thriving commercial hub. Sephora’s innovative retail strategies adapt to changing consumer habits, further contributing to the local business ecosystem.

Charleston, SC –

Sephora Expands Charleston Presence, Signaling Robust Retail Growth

Charleston’s vibrant retail landscape is receiving a significant boost as beauty giant Sephora further expands its footprint in the area with new shop openings, reflecting strong economic vitality and increasing consumer demand in the Lowcountry. These strategic expansions underscore the ongoing entrepreneurial innovation and private investment that continue to drive local job creation and offer enhanced shopping experiences for residents.

The arrival of prominent retailers like Sephora, known for its extensive selection of beauty products and innovative retail approach, serves as a testament to Charleston’s appeal as a prime market for business growth. Such developments often stem from a combination of robust consumer confidence and a supportive environment for businesses looking to connect with a thriving community. As businesses choose to invest and grow in the region, it reinforces the positive cycle of economic expansion and community enrichment.

New Sephora Location Bolsters Tanger Outlets Offerings

In a significant move for the Lowcountry’s retail sector, Sephora is slated to open a new store at a Tanger Outlets property in Charleston, South Carolina. This development is part of a broader, Nationwide expansion of Sephora’s partnership with Tanger, bringing the beauty retailer to five additional Tanger centers in 2024. These new Sephora stores are projected to average approximately 5,000 square feet in size.

The expansion into Tanger Outlets represents a strategic decision by Sephora to reach a wider customer base and capitalize on the appeal of outlet shopping destinations. For Charleston County economy, this new establishment signifies increased private investment and the creation of new employment opportunities, contributing positively to local economic growth. Consumers will benefit from greater access to a diverse range of beauty products and services, further solidifying the region’s status as a comprehensive shopping destination.

Mount Pleasant Welcomes Standalone Sephora Store

Further demonstrating its commitment to the Charleston area, Sephora is also opening a standalone store in Mount Pleasant. This new location is situated within the TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods shopping center, specifically taking the space formerly occupied by Buff City Soap, next to Crumbl. The opening of a standalone store, as opposed to a smaller “shop-in-shop” concept, highlights a growing trend Nationwide for retailers to establish independent locations that offer a full-scale brand experience outside traditional mall settings.

This initiative by Sephora reflects a responsive approach to evolving consumer shopping habits and a desire to be more accessible to local communities. The ability of businesses to innovate their retail strategies and adapt to changing market dynamics is a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success. A standalone store in Mount Pleasant provides enhanced convenience for residents and adds another layer of retail vibrancy to the already flourishing Charleston small business ecosystem.

Expanding Retail Footprint and Local Economic Impact

The strategic decisions by Sephora to open both an outlet location and a standalone store in the Charleston area are indicative of confidence in the region’s economic prospects. Such expansions inject significant capital into the local economy, creating construction jobs during development and sustained retail positions upon opening. These new jobs offer opportunities for personal achievement and contribute to the overall prosperity of Charleston SC business.

Increased retail options also stimulate healthy competition, often leading to better services and a wider selection of products for consumers. For South Carolina entrepreneurs, the presence of major retailers can serve as an anchor, attracting more foot traffic to shopping centers and potentially benefiting surrounding small businesses. This symbiotic relationship fosters a dynamic commercial environment, enhancing the Lowcountry economic growth.

Sephora’s Evolving Retail Strategy and Accessibility

Sephora has been at the forefront of a Nationwide trend in retail, diversifying its store formats beyond traditional mall locations. The beauty giant has focused on establishing “off-mall” locations in various areas, aiming to be closer to where customers live and conduct their daily errands. This strategy, sometimes described as a “hub and spoke” model Nationwide, allows for easier access and a more convenient shopping experience.

These new stores are often designed to be slightly smaller than their traditional mall counterparts, with a particular focus on high-growth categories like fragrance and hair care. This adaptation demonstrates business resilience and an understanding of consumer preferences for efficient, accessible retail. For Charleston, this means more opportunities for residents to engage with Sephora’s extensive product offerings and specialized services without the need to visit a large shopping mall.

Charleston’s Existing Beauty Landscape

Prior to these new announcements, Charleston has been home to established Sephora locations, including a prominent store on King Street in Charleston, SC. Additionally, Sephora has a presence within Kohl’s stores, such as the Sephora at Kohl’s in North Charleston, SC. These existing locations have long served the community, offering a wide array of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products, along with beauty services. The continued investment in new physical stores, alongside its established presence, underscores Sephora’s long-term commitment to the Charleston market and its belief in the robust consumer base here.

The expansion illustrates that while online shopping continues to grow, there remains a strong demand for in-person retail experiences, particularly in the beauty sector where customers often prefer to sample products and receive personalized advice from beauty advisors. This blend of traditional retail and strategic expansion reflects a balanced approach to market penetration and consumer engagement.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Economic Horizon for Charleston

The ongoing expansion of retailers like Sephora in the Charleston area is a clear indicator of the region’s strong economic trajectory. These developments bring new jobs, increased consumer choice, and further solidify Charleston’s position as a dynamic commercial hub in South Carolina. By embracing entrepreneurial innovation and welcoming private investment, the Lowcountry continues to foster an environment where businesses and communities can thrive together.

We encourage our readers to explore these new retail offerings and support the vibrant Charleston SC business community, contributing to the continued Lowcountry economic growth. Staying engaged in local economic discussions and championing initiatives that promote a favorable business climate ensures a prosperous future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What new Sephora locations are opening in the Charleston area?

Sephora is opening a new store at a Tanger Outlets property in Charleston, South Carolina, as part of a Nationwide expansion. Additionally, a new standalone Sephora store is opening in Mount Pleasant, located in the TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods shopping center, where Buff City Soap was, next to Crumbl.

What is the typical size of these new Sephora stores?

The new Sephora stores, including the one at Tanger Outlets Charleston, are projected to average approximately 5,000 square feet in size Nationwide. Sephora’s new off-mall stores are often slightly smaller than their traditional mall counterparts Nationwide.

What is Sephora’s strategy for opening new stores outside of malls?

Sephora’s Nationwide strategy involves opening “off-mall” locations to be closer to where customers live and run errands, employing a “hub and spoke” model. These stores often focus on high-growth categories like fragrance and hair care Nationwide.

How do these new stores impact the Charleston County economy?

These new store openings contribute to the Charleston County economy by creating new jobs, increasing private investment, and offering more diverse shopping options for consumers. They also stimulate healthy competition and can benefit surrounding small businesses.

Are there existing Sephora stores in the Charleston area?

Yes, Charleston, SC, currently has a Sephora store on King Street and a Sephora at Kohl’s in North Charleston, SC.

Key Features of Sephora’s Charleston Area Expansion

Feature	Details	Scope
New Tanger Outlets Location	Sephora opening a new store at a Tanger Outlets property in Charleston, South Carolina.	Local
New Mount Pleasant Location	Standalone Sephora store opening in the TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods shopping center in Mount Pleasant, replacing Buff City Soap, next to Crumbl.	Local
Average Store Size	New Sephora stores average approximately 5,000 square feet Nationwide.	Nationwide
Retail Strategy	Part of Sephora’s Nationwide expansion into “off-mall” locations, focusing on being closer to customers and often on high-growth categories like fragrance and hair care.	Nationwide
Economic Impact	Contributes to the Charleston County economy through job creation, private investment, and increased consumer choice.	Local
Existing Locations	Includes a Sephora on King Street in Charleston, SC, and a Sephora at Kohl’s in North Charleston, SC.	Local