Broughton Street

The historic center of Savannah [1]’s downtown shopping has recently seen a major renaissance, and is once again home to the most vibrant shopping scene in Savannah, just like it was in the 1940s and ’50s. While several chain stores have made inroads onto the avenue, here are some of the most notable independent shops.

Art Supply

A great art town needs a great art supply store, and in Savannah that would be Primary Art Supply (14 E. Broughton St., 912/233-7624, http://primaryartsupply.com [2], Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.), which has two full floors of equipment and tools for the serious artist—priced to be affordable for students. But casual shoppers will enjoy it as well for its collection of hip magazines and offbeat gift items.

Clothes and Fashion

Perhaps Broughton’s most beloved shop is Globe Shoe Co. (17 E. Broughton St., 912/232-8161), a Savannah institution and a real throwback to a time of personalized retail service. They have no website and no Facebook page—they’re all about simple one-to-one service like in the old days.

The clothing store for Savannah’s hippest, up-and-coming women, Bleu Belle (205 W. Broughton St., 912/443-0011, www.bleubelle.com [3], Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m.) stays on top of the trends with a wide selection, from casual chic to drop-dead evening wear.

Gaucho is another popular choice for women, with an emphasis on accessories, jewelry, and shoes. There are two locations: 18 East Broughton Street (912/234-7414, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and the original location at 250 Bull Street (912/232-7414, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m.).

Vintage shoppers will enjoy Civvies (22 E. Broughton St., 912/236-1551), a second-floor shop with a nice selection of previously owned clothing.

Popular Georgia/South Carolina chain Loose Lucy’s (212 W. Broughton St., 912/201-2131, www.looselucys.com [4], Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.) features cool clothes and shoes heavy on 1960s psychedelic chic.

Home Goods

While Savannah [1] is an Anglophile’s dream, Francophiles will enjoy The Paris Market & Brocante (36 W. Broughton St., 912/232-1500, www.theparismarket.com [5], Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.) on a beautifully restored corner of Broughton Street. Home and garden goods, bed and bath accoutrements, and a great selection of antique and vintage items combine for a rather opulent shopping experience. Plus there’s a “café” inside where you can enjoy a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Those looking for great home decorating ideas with inspiration from both global and Southern aesthetics should check out 24e Furnishings at Broughton (24 E. Broughton St., 912/233-2274, www.twentyfoure.com [6], Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m.), located in an excellent restored 1921 storefront.

One of the more unique Savannah retail shops is the Savannah Bee Company (104 W. Broughton St., 912/233-7873, www.savannahbee.com [7], Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.), which as the name implies carries an extensive line of honey-based merchandise, from foot lotion to lip balm. All the honey comes from area hives owned by company founder and owner Ted Dennard. The company now has a sizeable national presence since being picked up for the Williams-Sonoma catalogue in 2003.

Outdoor Outfitters

Outdoor lovers should make themselves acquainted with Half Moon Outfitters (15 E. Broughton St., 912/201-9313, www.halfmoonoutfitters.com [8], Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m.), a full-service camping, hiking, skiing, and kayaking store. Half Moon is part of a regional chain that also has two locations in Charleston [9].