Charleston, July 22, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is experiencing a growing trend among local businesses that offer free souvenirs such as matchbooks and postcards to enhance customer experience. This initiative, led by establishments like Uptown Hospitality Group and The Darling Oyster Bar, aims to strengthen their identities in the community and serve as effective marketing tools. Customers appreciate these complimentary souvenirs, which have become popular keepsakes for tourists and locals alike, promoting brand relevance and customer engagement.
Charleston is witnessing a unique trend as several local businesses begin offering complimentary matchbooks and various souvenirs to customers. This initiative not only serves as a marketing tool but also aims to enhance the overall customer experience, cementing the businesses’ identities within the vibrant Charleston community.
Among the notable contributors to this trend is Uptown Hospitality Group, which includes a variety of locations such as Uptown Social at 587 King St., Sharehouse at 23 Ann St., Bodega at 23 Ann St. and 414 West Coleman Blvd., and By The Way at 45 1/2 Spring St. Customers at these establishments will find matchbooks creatively displayed in pint glasses, serving not only as a safety feature for smoking patrons but also as a tangible reminder of their visit.
The trend has extended beyond Uptown Hospitality Group to other establishments across Charleston. For instance, The Darling Oyster Bar, located at 513 King St., has been providing free matchbooks to customers since its opening in 2016. Other establishments, including 167 Raw, Bar 167, and 167 Sushi Bar, offer not only matchboxes but also postcards and stickers, enhancing the keepsake selection for visitors. Meanwhile, both locations of Babas cafés at 11 Cannon St. and 804 Meeting St. have reported high demand for their free matchboxes and postcards.
Other businesses joining in on this free souvenir movement include Henry’s on the Market, which provides matchbooks and postcards upon request, and High Cotton, where guests can take home matchbooks and photographs of special occasions. Lowland also contributes by offering matchbooks, postcards, and coasters, with options to have postcards mailed upon request.
In the cocktail scene, Doar Bros. provides both matchboxes and postcards, along with custom poker chips for frequent customers. The Rarebit allows patrons to take matchboxes from ash trays at their bar, reinforcing a casual and memorable experience. On the convenience front, Island Provisions at 221 St. Philip St. and on Johns Island offers matchboxes, while Vern’s includes postcards with guest checks. Additionally, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit gives out free stickers and punch cards to help customers earn rewards, and Rita’s Seaside Grille distributes frisbees to those purchasing from their “Puppy Menu.”
This growing trend of giving away free souvenirs, which includes matchbooks and postcards, is rapidly gaining traction among tourists, brides planning weddings, and locals searching for unique keepsakes. For many businesses, this practice is an effective strategy to maintain brand relevance while attracting and retaining customers, showcasing an innovative approach to customer engagement.
Weather Forecast for Today
- Partly cloudy weather anticipated this morning
- Thunderstorms likely in the afternoon and evening, with a 70% chance
- High temperature forecasted at 92°F
- Gusty winds from the ENE at 5 to 10 mph
- Chance of rain today is 60%
- Low temperature expected at 76°F
FAQ
What businesses in Charleston are offering free souvenirs?
Why are businesses in Charleston offering free souvenirs?
What types of souvenirs are being offered?
Key Features of Charleston’s Free Souvenir Trend
| Business Name | Souvenirs Offered |
|---|---|
| Uptown Hospitality Group | Matchbooks |
| The Darling Oyster Bar | Matchbooks |
| 167 Raw, Bar 167, 167 Sushi Bar | Matchboxes, postcards, stickers |
| Babas Cafés | Matchboxes, postcards |
| Henry’s on the Market | Matchbooks, postcards |
| High Cotton | Matchbooks, photographs |
| Doar Bros. | Matchboxes, postcards, custom poker chips |
| Rita’s Seaside Grille | Frisbees |
| Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit | Stickers, punch cards |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Restaurant Business Offers Free Matchbox Souvenirs
- Wikipedia: Charleston
- Post and Courier: Malagon Charleston Restaurant Review
- Google Search: Charleston Restaurants
- Eater: McCrady’s Charleston Sold
- Google Scholar: Charleston Restaurants
- Post and Courier: Documenting Vanishing Gay Bars in Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
