June 21, 2025

Jackson Davenport Vision Center to Close in Charleston

News Summary

The Jackson Davenport Vision Center, a beloved family-run optical service in Charleston, will close by mid-July 2025 after 73 years. Owner Nancy Davenport is retiring, and a closing sale has started. Although the downtown location will cease operations, the Summerville store will remain open. The center’s rich history, founded in 1973, includes providing eyewear and hearing services, as well as a legacy of community involvement. While customers are saddened by the closure, they celebrate the lasting impact of this local business.

Charleston – After a remarkable 73-year run, the Jackson Davenport Vision Center, a cornerstone of Charleston’s optical services, will officially close its doors by mid-July 2025. This family-run business, which has been operational since it was founded as Jackson & Davenport Opticians in 1973, is ending its legacy with a closing sale. The announcement comes as owner and optician Nancy Davenport prepares for her retirement after 38 years in the industry.

The decision to shutter the downtown optical showroom, located near King and Calhoun streets, was prompted by a potential buyer’s interest in acquiring the two-story building. The property, purchased by Davenport’s father in the 1970s for $140,000, is home to several other businesses, including a Refuel convenience store, rental apartments, and available parking spaces.

In anticipation of the closure, a closing sale has commenced, featuring discounted prices on inventory items available on King Street. This sale is projected to last until the end of June, allowing loyal customers a final opportunity to purchase items from this long-established retailer.

Although the downtown location will close, the Summerville location on Trolley Road will continue to operate. Nancy Davenport’s brother, Kenneth, will take over the management of the remaining stores within the family business. Furthermore, the next generation of the Davenport family is set to join the ranks, with Alyssa Davenport, the fourth generation, stepping into the business.

The vision center’s history dates back to its founder, John Hugh Davenport, who initially hand-crafted prescription lenses. In the 1960s, the business expanded to include hearing services, marking a significant growth phase. At its height, the Jackson Davenport brand operated 30 eyecare locations across the state, though most of these were sold off nearly two decades ago, reducing the presence of the family business in the market.

In the late 1990s, the downtown center faced challenges when a fire necessitated a move to a smaller storefront next door. Despite these hurdles, the Jackson Davenport Vision Center continued to thrive, providing high-quality eyewear and dedicated eye care services to the local community.

As Nancy Davenport transitions into retirement, she expresses enthusiasm for continuing to support the Charleston community through the family business’s remaining operations. Despite the impending closure of the Jackson Davenport Vision Center, the legacy of the brand remains rooted in its commitment to delivering high-quality eyewear and fostering community involvement.

As the business approaches its final days, many longtime customers reflect on the milestones and services they’ve received over the years, marking the end of an era but also celebrating a legacy built on care, dedication, and family tradition.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER 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.