Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell is closing the doors of his family-owned Civil War souvenir store in Charleston after 20 years due to the declining art and gift industry.
Butch McClarin has walked through the doors of CSA Galleries for about 15 years. Today he bought four confederate-sealed mugs, but soon he’ll no longer be able to do that because the North Charleston store is closing its doors.
“It’s devastating, it’s heartbreaking for the Charleston area to realize they have this much heritage and history in the town, ya know, you’ll be no longer able to just walk in and grab what you need,” says McClarin.
With Southern-themed music, a real feel for Confederacy pride, and South Carolina art-filled walls, Co-owners, State Senator Glenn McConnell and brother Sam McConnell have served the Lowcountry since 1989. Besides a reason to retire, Sam McConnell says the economy has taken a huge hit on the art and gift industry. As for now, Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell will remain busy on the Senate floor, and his brother looks forward to retiring, but he says it’s bitter sweet.
“I like the idea of the freedom that comes along with it, but at the same time I’m gonna miss so many people that I’ve interacted with over the years that gives it kind of a sad edge,” says Sam McConnell.
People like Butch McClarin, who says, “I’ve had several paintings framed here and it’s gonna hurt when they close down.”
CSA Galleries officially closes March 21.