The newest and most pleasant mall in the area is the retro-themed, pedestrian-friendly Mount Pleasant Towne Center (1600 Palmetto Grande Dr., 843/216-9900, www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m.), which opened in 1999 to serve the growing population of East Cooper residents tired of having to cross a bridge to get to a big mall. In addition to national chains you’ll find a few cool local stores in here, like Stella Nova spa and day salon, Shooz by Copper Penny, and the men’s store Jos. A. Banks.

You’ll find the Northwoods Mall (2150 Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston, 843/797-3060, www.shopnorthwoodsmall.com, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m.) up in North Charleston. Anchor stores include Dillard’s, Belk, Sears, and J.C. Penney.

North Charleston also hosts the Tanger Outlet (4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd., 843/ 529-3095, www.tangeroutlet.com, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.). Get factory-priced bargains from stores such as Adidas, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Corningware, Old Navy, Timberland, and more.

Citadel Mall (2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., 843/766-8511, www.shopcitadel-mall.com, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m.) is in West Ashley (and curiously not at all close to the actual Citadel college). Anchors here are Dillards, Parisian, Target, Belk, and Sears.