Local Data
Location & Expansion Log
Diverse companies – from startups to multinational corporations – continue to relocate and expand existing operations in the Charleston region.
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Downsizing
2009
Bassett Furniture Direct
December 29, 2009
Furniture retailer
The Mount Pleasant retail location will close after several years of operation.
ThyssenKrupp
October 29, 2009
Manufacture and sell steering components
Closure due to severe economic recession's impact on automotive industry, affecting 65 positions.
Force Protection
September 30, 2009
Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
Layoff affecting approximately 120 workers due to slowdown in defense department contracts awarded
BE&K Construction
August 6, 2009
Construction firm
Layoff affecting 38 jobs
Susan Michelle Shoes & Accessories
July 27, 2009
Ladies shoes and accessories retailer
The economic recession caused Susan Michelle Shoes to close its Mount Pleasant shop, which had relocated two years prior from downtown due to high rent.
Cummins Turbo Technologies
July 25, 2009
Turbochargers and air compressors manufacturing
Layoff affecting 33 employees due to company consolidation of divisions to streamline operations
Moo Roo/Mary Norton
July 16, 2009
Luxury handbag design/retail
Mary Norton's "Moo Roo" handbag and shoe stores -- accessories which gained popularity among celebrities nationwide -- have shut down in Charleston, New York and Los Angeles due to "harsh economic circumstances" according to owner/designer Ms. Norton.
Charleston County School District
June 1, 2009
Public school system
Layoff affecting 50 workers
Trident Technical College
May 29, 2009
Technical college
Layoff affecting 28 workers
Allstate Claims Office
May 7, 2009
Insurance claims office
Allstate Insurance Co. is closing its Faber Place claims office, affecting 63 jobs locally, as part of a company-wide move to consolidate claims offices across the country to improve efficiency.
Atlanticargo
May 2, 2009
Shipping line
Niche shipping line Atlanticargo is closing its local office as part of a company wide decision to cease trans-Atlantic trade on the East Coast.
Them Furniture Co.
April 30, 2009
Furniture retailer
The Johns Island store is closing its high-end furniture operation after 55 years in business. The owners decided to retire and not to try to sell the business due to the sluggish economy. Ten jobs are affected.
Metal Trades Inc.
April 23, 2009
Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing
Layoff affecting 27 workers
Robert Bosch LLC
April 21, 2009
Automotive parts manufacturer
The global economic slowdown, which is particularly affecting industries such as automotive, has led to a layoff at Bosch's North Charleston plant affecting 225 production jobs.
Imagine-One
April 21, 2009
Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
Layoff affecting 14 workers
Johnny's Subaru
April 7, 2009
New car dealer
Current economic challenges have led to the closing of this auto dealership. Some of the firm's 16 employees have been able to find jobs at other auto-related businesses within the same family-owned enterprise.
Boater's World
March 23, 2009
Marine supplies retailer
Ritz Camera-owned Boater's World will close three Charleston area stores as part of its national companywide bankruptcy proceedings (one west of the Ashley River, one near Daniel Island and one in Mount Pleasant). Other local sporting goods businesses and tackle shops are reportedly looking forward to the opportunity to snap up some former Boater's World customers, especially since boating season is just beginning.
The Furniture Gallery
February 18, 2009
Furniture retailer
After 15 years in business, the Johns Island Furniture Gallery announces its closure, affecting five jobs including the owner and four employees. The store's owner says the slow housing market which really took hold in 2007 is the key reason.
Prescription Center
February 16, 2009
Pharmacy
Prescription Center, a 57-year-old corner pharmacy at 107 Rutledge Ave. in downtown Charleston, will close Feb. 20, 2009. Its prescription files and remaining stock will be transferred to the CVS location at 59 George St. Not the economic downturn but an increasing trend in insurance companies' lower and delayed reimbursements is causing the establishment to cease operations, according to the owner.
The Post and Courier
February 6, 2009
Newspaper publisher
The Post and Courier's publisher announced the cutting of 25 positions due to a decline in advertising and other revenues, directly related to the current economic recession.
Johnny's Suzuki
January 24, 2009
New car dealer
Current economic conditions and the tighter lending environment were given as reasons for closing this auto dealership. Other "Johnny's" dealerships in the Charleston region will remain open.
Johnny's Suzuki
January 24, 2009
New car dealer
Current economic conditions and the tighter lending environment were given as the reasons for this auto dealer's closing. The "Johnny's" chain has other dealerships in the Charleston region that will remain open.
Circuit City
January 16, 2009
Electronics retailer
Circuit City announced it will close all of its 500+ stores nationwide after recently declaring bankruptcy. This affects two stores in the Charleston region -- Mount Pleasant and North Charleston.
Circuit City
January 16, 2009
Electronics retailer
Circuit City announced it will close all of its 500+ stores nationwide after recently declaring bankruptcy. This affects two stores in the Charleston region -- Mount Pleasant and North Charleston.
Hill-Rom
January 15, 2009
Manufacture of specialty hospital beds
Hill-Rom will cut its local workforce by 90 jobs, relocating these positions from the North Charleston plant to its Indiana headquarters. The move is part of its company-wide efforts to cut costs and maximize efficiency.
Old Navy - Citadel Mall Store
January 13, 2009
Retailer
Old Navy will close it Citadel Mall store but its Mount Pleasant site and two North Charleston locations will remain open in the Charleston region.
Giant Cement
January 13, 2009
Cement manufacturing
The significant decrease in demand for cement from the construction industry makes it necessary for this Summerville-based firm to cut 45 jobs from its Harleyville plant's workforce to manage its costs and remain competitive.
Robert Bosch LLC
January 6, 2009
Automotive parts manufacturer
Due to the declining global economy, Bosch has decided to reduce its local workforce by about 200, including 75 workers who agreed to take advantage of a "voluntary buyout."
Boathouse Restaurant
January 6, 2009
Full service restaurant
Boathouse restaurant owners will close its downtown Charleston location after ten years of business, affecting about 30 workers. Its Isle of Palms location will remain open, and a newly planned location on James Island is still set to open in February 2009.
