From $1.38 to a Charleston Landmark: The Berlin’s Story – A Timeless Family Legacy Since 1883

By Mark A Leon

Berlin’s Men’s and Ladies, located at 114 King Street, a cherished family-owned clothing business in Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding on September 20, 1883, by Henry Berlinsky, an Eastern European immigrant who arrived in America with only $1.38 to his name. 

Starting humbly by peddling clothes from a cart, Henry’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit enabled him to save enough to open a store at the prominent corner of King and Broad streets in downtown Charleston, a location that remains the business’s home to this day.

The store quickly became a fixture in Charleston’s commercial and social life, surviving major challenges such as the devastating 1886 Charleston earthquake and later Hurricane Hugo in 1989, both of which tested the resilience of the business and the family behind it. Throughout its history, Berlin’s has been synonymous with quality, timeless elegance, and impeccable customer service, values instilled by Henry and carefully preserved by successive generations.

After Henry Berlinsky established the store, leadership passed to his sons Sam and Ben Berlin in the early 20th century. When Ben moved to New York in 1914, Sam took full control, and the brothers dissolved their partnership by 1932. 

Sam Berlin was a prominent figure in Charleston, involved in civic affairs and local sports, and was among the first Jewish Charlestonians to join the St. Andrews Society. The family name was changed from Berlinsky to Berlin to avoid commercial activity on the Sabbath, respecting their Orthodox Jewish faith.

In 1958, Sam retired, and Henry Berlin (son of Sam) joined his brother Alwyn to continue running the store. Henry remained actively involved in the business for decades, contributing to its ongoing success until his children, Steven and Elaine Berlin, took over in 2004. Steven Berlin, with over 30 years of experience at the store, and Elaine Berlin have modernized and expanded the business while maintaining its core values and commitment to quality.

Berlin’s evolved from a men’s clothing store into a full-service apparel destination, offering custom clothing, formal wear, alterations, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and accessories. The store’s women’s section, Berlin’s for Women, is currently owned and operated by Ellen Berlin, the fourth generation of the family to lead the business. 

Ellen has kept the tradition alive by curating a selection of high-end designers such as Rachel Zoe, Badgley Mischka, and Nicole Miller, ensuring that the store remains relevant and appealing to contemporary shoppers.

The store’s longevity is a testament not only to the family’s dedication but also to its ability to adapt to changing times and customer tastes while preserving a sense of tradition. 

Berlin’s has witnessed Charleston’s transformation over more than 140 years, from a post-Civil War Southern city to a vibrant, historic tourist destination. The business has remained a beloved local institution, serving generations of Charlestonians and visitors alike.

Beyond its commercial success, Berlin’s reflects the story of Jewish immigrants in Charleston who contributed significantly to the city’s economic and cultural fabric. 

The Berlin family’s story is intertwined with the broader Jewish heritage of Charleston, where immigrant families built lasting legacies through hard work and community involvement.

In summary, Berlin’s stands as one of Charleston’s oldest continuously operated family businesses, embodying resilience, tradition, and quality. From Henry Berlinsky’s modest beginnings to the present-day stewardship of Steven, Elaine, and Ellen Berlin, the store has remained a symbol of Charleston’s historic charm and entrepreneurial spirit. Its enduring presence at the corner of King and Broad streets continues to welcome customers seeking timeless elegance and personalized service, a legacy nearly a century and a half in the making.

Photo Credit: Berlin’s