More of an experience than a place to shop

In need of a last minute gift, a special monogrammed item or home accessory, but don’t want to spend the extra money on gas? Daniel Island locals can stay close to home and stop in at Daniel Island Living and Home, conveniently located on Island Park Drive.            

Owner Neil Lucado always dreamed of owning a store that would be more of an experience than just a place to shop. Lucado worked in all aspects of the retail industry, honing her craft.

After moving to Charleston, she found Daniel Island and immediately knew this was the perfect place to make her dream a reality. In 2018, she opened the store on Seven Farms Drive under the name Monograms. When Lucado moved to her current location, across from Delta Pharmacy, she renamed the store to better reflect the diverse inventory.

Customers are greeted by a friendly chocolate lab named Beau, who faithfully watches over the store. Once inside, Lucado is eager to take the time to chat or help find the perfect gift. She uses her 50 years of retail experience and keen sense of style to create a special island oasis to meet the needs of locals.

“There is so much potential here,” Lucado continued. “… For two years, when I was at the old location, I listened to my customers and I heard what they wanted. People on this island love to entertain and be outside.”

DI resident Mary Sherry loves shopping at Daniel Island Living and Home. "Neil is a great merchandiser, she carries quality products and has beautiful displays. But most important, Neil is outstanding at customer service. She knows what her DI customers want, and they love her for it."

Suanne Trimmer always shops at Daniel Island Living and Home when she needs to find that special item for herself and friends. “Daniel Island Living and Home is unlike any other store on the island. Neil has an incredible ability to spot trends, identify the unusual, and know what appeals to her customers, which makes her store a go-to place for all sorts of gifts and things for our homes. Every time I visit I see something that is so different and unexpected from what other stores carry. And we don’t have to go off island, which is a huge benefit.”

Joyce Perocchi has been a customer since the store opened when it was called Monograms. “I have been going to Monograms since it opened at its first location on Daniel Island. I strolled in, wanting to purchase a special gift for a golfing buddy, and was thrilled that Neil spent so much time with me designing the perfect monogram to go with the gift. Since that day, Monograms has been my ‘go to’ for intriguing hostess gifts, baby gifts, and wedding gifts.”

For Lucado, the store is much more than just a way to earn a living. “ I hope that everybody who comes in here that’s looking for something finds something,” she added. “… Our price points go from $6 to $300… We have something for everybody.”

If there are any local merchants you’d like to see featured in an upcoming column send an email to marie@thedanielislandnews.com.