3 King Street stores blowing out candles this year

A trio of King Street retailers are celebrating milestone birthdays this year, including home-grown Pete Banis Shoes Inc., which turns the big 5-0.

Pete Banis Shoes, which moved up the block from 297 King to 375 King last year, set up shop on Charleston's main shopping artery nearly 15 years ago, after it closed its Citadel Mall location.

Before that, Pete Banis Shoes called North Charleston home, said Drew Banis, Pete's son and the shop's owner. The shop, which opened in the 1940s, was more like a department store, selling clothing, toys and shoes, before focusing just on feet half a century ago.

This year also is a big one for Lacoste. The Paris-based company is blowing out 75 candles, though the crocodile-clad clothing store has been on the peninsula only for about four years. To celebrate, the boutique in the Shops at Charleston Place, 248 King, is offering a free gift with a purchase from April 12-20. Lacoste USA Chairman and CEO Robert Siegel calls the Holy City home.

Turning 10 this year is SEE (Selective Eyewear Elements), which opened its first Charleston store at 355 King last year. Founder and CEO Richard Golden is kicking off the company's second decade by announcing an aggressive growth strategy. The optical retailer now operates 21 locations across the country. It plans to open 80 to 100 more by the time it turns 15.

On, off the radar

Harvest Moon Lowcountry Grille: The restaurant has opened at 6165 Savannah Highway in Ravenel. John L. Lister Jr. is the executive chef, and the menu features Lowcountry cuisine, steaks and seafood.

Wholly Cow Ice Creams & Coffee: The ice cream cafe at 840-B Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, has closed, and Dunkin' Donuts says it's moving in. Skoogie's Chicago Style Deli and Planet Beach Tanning & Spa occupy the other spaces in the subdivided former McDonald's.

Reach Abi Nicholas at 937-5524 or anicholas@postandcourier.com.