Berlin’s was founded at the corner of King & Broad in downtown Charleston more than 130 years ago. The clothing store was opened on September 20, 1883, by Henry Berlin, who came to the United States from Eastern Europe with $1.38 in his pocket. He started making money peddling and selling out of his car until eventually amassing enough to open the store. Berlin’s survived the massive earthquake that rocked Charleston in 1886.

In 1912, the business was turned over to his sons Sam and Ben Berlin. When Ben settled in New York in 1914, Sam Berlin took charge and their partnership was dissolved in 1932. In 1958, Sam Berlin retired, and Henry Berlin joined his brother Alwyn in the firm. Henry plays an active role in the store to this day. Alwyn Berlin died in 1978.

The clothing store survived a second major disaster in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo struck Charleston.

In 2004, stewardship changed again when Henry’s two children, son Steven Berlin and daughter Elaine Berlin officially took over the running of Berlin’s. Steven, who has worked at the clothing store for more than 30 years, has made it his mission to not only stay true to traditional styles but also to introduce new, updated and current clothing.