Appliance Store Charleston, SC

Your First Choice for Scratch and Dent Appliances in Charleston

In a day and age where big box stores sell overpriced appliances to hardworking men and women, droves of Americans are flocking to scratch and dent retailers. At Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair, we understand that money doesn't grow on trees. That's why we offer our customers the largest selection of overstock and scratch and dent appliances in South Carolina.

Finding a reputable, clean discount appliance store can be challenging. Unfortunately, companies in our industry get a bad rap. Sometimes, they earn it with dingy, poorly-lit stores, empty shelves, and mediocre customer service. At Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair, we are proud to give our customers the "big box" structure of major chains mixed with personable service and affordable pricing of a discount appliance business. Our store is clean, our shelves are stocked, and our staff is ready and waiting to exceed your expectations.

The surge in popularity of scratch and dent appliances might be new, but we are far from a "fly by night" appliance store. As a locally owned and operated appliance store, we have worked very hard to build trust with our customers. We have years of experience selling quality scratch and dent appliances in South Carolina, from washers and dryers to outdoor grills and everything in between. Whether you know the exact brand and appliance you're looking for or need the assistance of a friendly sales associate, we are here to make your shopping experience seamless and enjoyable!

Service Areas

When you visit our showroom, you will see a large selection of the following products:

samsung kenmore speed-queen bosch
lg wirlpool maytag frigidaire
  • All of our scratch and dent or overstock appliances are in great condition, giving you years of reliable use
  • We only sell the best name brand scratch and dent appliances
  • We offer a one-year warranty on many products
  • We have the most competitive prices in South Carolina
  • Our customers always come first!

Scratch and Dent Appliances

Ask yourself this: Why should you pay top-dollar prices for brand new "in the box" appliances when you can have them out of the box with the same warranty for a significant amount less? When you begin to think about buying scratch and dent appliances in Charleston, it begins to make all the sense in the world.

Don't let the term "scratch and dent" scare you - all of our appliances are high-quality, name-brand products that are in great condition. You won't ever have to worry about an inoperable oven or a faulty dryer when you shop at Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair. Our appliances are all unused and shipped to use straight off the assembly line. That's right - you're paying bottom-of-the-barrel prices for brand new products that your family and friends will love.

You might be asking yourself, "What's the catch?" It might sound too good to be true, but there isn't any catch. Our scratch and dent appliances are sold at deep discounts because a minor cosmetic issue developed somewhere along the line. A few common reasons why appliances are labeled as scratch and dent include:

  • The product's external packaging was slightly damaged
  • The product has a small scratch that is barely visible
  • The product has a slight dent that is hard to see
  • The product has a tiny "ding" from being moved around in the warehouse
 Appliance Repair Store Charleston, SC

Unlike some of our competitors, our skilled technicians perform rigorous multi-point examinations on all our appliances. That way, you can rest easy knowing that your out-of-the-box appliance is ready for regular use as soon as it arrives at your home. With a one-year warranty on most scratch and dent items, our customers leave our showroom with a smile on their face knowing their purchase is protected.

And that, in a nutshell, is the Preferred Appliance Sales and Repairs difference: quality appliances, helpful customer service, and real warranties that you can feel good about.

 Appliances Charleston, SC

Scratch and Dent Appliances Are They Right for You?

Here's the truth: Nobody wants an old, beat-up appliance with huge dents and scratches. Fortunately, we're not talking about a banged-up dishwasher that barely works. Scratch and dent appliances are just like brand new, except they have a small nick that's barely noticeable. The question is, are you OK with a small dent if it means you could save 25% off your purchase? What about 50% off? If you were to do a Google search on a name-brand appliance and compare its price to the same item in our showroom, you would see just how cost-effective scratch and dent shopping can be.

The majority of our customers are savvy shoppers who don't mind tiny imperfections if it means that they will get a great deal. In many cases, these imperfections are paint-based, which are easily fixed with a little elbow grease. If you're in the market for a fully functional, nearly-new appliance and don't mind a small blemish, buying scratch and dent appliances is a great choice that won't break your bank.

Scratch and Dent Appliances

  • Scratch and dent doesn't mean "damaged." You could save as much as 50% or more off brand new appliances with minor scrapes or dents.
  • We have a huge selection of scratch and dent appliances for sale, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, and much more.
  • Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair offers customers all major name brands in our industry, including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Speed Queen, Maytag, Bosch, Frigidaire, and more.
  • Each of our scratch and dent appliances is examined before you buy to ensure they work properly.
  • We offer customers a one-year warranty on most scratch and dent appliances in Charleston, so you can shop with confidence.
  • There is no credit needed to make a purchase at Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair. In fact, we offer up to $5,000 in approvals and can make arrangements for 90-day payment options.
  • We offer appliance delivery and repair options. We only charge $99 for in-home service calls!
 Wholesale Appliances Charleston, SC

How to Get the Most Out of Your Scratch and Dent Appliances

Appliances can be a big investment, even if you're buying them at significant discounts. Of course, you want to keep your appl ances in good shape, so they continue working properly for years. Once you buy one of our scratch and dent appliances, keep in mind these tips to keep your new merchandise in great working order:

Clean Inside and Out

Clean Inside and Out

All appliances need to be cleaned, even washing machines. As an example, cleaning the coils of your new scratch and dent refrigerator will keep it running efficiently.

Only Use Appliances as They Were Intended

Only Use Appliances as They Were Intended

If your kids love to play near your appliances, be sure they aren't standing or sitting on them. If you're using a scratch and dent dishwasher or clothes dryer, don't overload them. If your appliance requires specific products, like a high-efficiency laundry detergent, only use the recommended products.

Change filters

Change filters

You probably know that clothes drying machines have filters that must be changed. However, other appliances like dishwashers and ice makers can also have filters. Read your appliance's manual to see if your product has a filter, and if so, how often it needs to be changed.

Overstock Appliances in Charleston

Much like our scratch and dent merchandise, overstock appliances have become incredibly popular in recent times. While many savvy shoppers already know about the deals associated with overstock items, others hear "overstock appliances" and immediately think something is wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth!

There's a simple explanation for overstock appliances in South Carolina, and it's right in the name. Overstock items are products that manufacturers have made too many of or have a surplus of stock that needs to be sold. This is great news for shoppers who can get new, brand-name appliances at a fraction of their original cost.

There are many reasons why a manufacturer might need to sell their merchandise as overstock:

  • A retail store closes its doors, and its appliances and other stock must be liquidated
  • A retail store has an item that doesn't sell as well as they had hoped
  • The manufacturer or their partners overestimated the amount of stock that they needed

While overstock items are perfectly normal, some customers think they aren't worth purchasing because of a perceived "expiration date." The fact is, overstock and surplus appliances are common in every industry because inventory management isn't an easy job. Sometimes people make errors, but those mistakes can turn into amazing opportunities for high-quality appliances at great prices.

 Appliances Repair Shop Charleston, SC

Overstock Appliances Explained

Retailers have to deal with surplus merchandise all the time because older stock must be removed to make room for newer appliances. When a retailer has a surplus of a particular appliance, they will typically reach out to the manufacturer to see if they can return their overstocked appliances. Because these manufacturers charge retailers to restock these surplus items, many retailers choose instead to off-load their stock at a discounted price, and that's where Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair steps in.

The bottom line? Overstock appliances in Charleston are common, brand new, and waiting for you to check out at our showroom. We carry all the major appliance brand names, like Whirlpool, LG, Bosch, Maytag, Kenmore, and even Samsung. Unlike our scratch and dent products, you aren't going to find any minor dings or scratches on our overstock appliances. It sounds too good to be true, but it isn't - when manufacturers make too much, you're in luck.

At Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair, we have a vast selection of overstock appliances for you to choose from, including:

  • Microwaves
  • Washers
  • Dryers
  • Refrigerators
  • Stoves
  • TVs
  • Dishwashers
  • Much More!
 Appliance Warehouse Charleston, SC
 Appliance Shop Charleston, SC

Buy Scratch And Dent Appliances, Help Save The Environment

Buying overstock or scratch and dent appliances in South Carolina is not just a way to get a great deal on a name-brand product - it's also a great way to help protect our environment. As you might have guessed, unused scratch and dent merchandise usually end up in a landfill to sit and rot. When these appliances are brought to landfills, they release toxic greenhouse gases and harmful substances as their chemical and metal composition deteriorate.

When you buy a scratch and dent appliance from Preferred Appliance Sales and Repair, know that you are doing your part to help protect our environment. When you break it down, buying products and appliances that would otherwise go to a landfill is a win-win. You're getting an incredible discount on a high-quality appliance and you're diminishing the harmful greenhouse gases that harm our precious environment.

The Premier Provider of Overstock and Scratch and Dent Appliances in Charleston

If you're still on the fence about giving scratch and dent products a chance, we encourage you to visit our discount appliance store in Charleston. We have a full selection of appliances for you to see, like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and microwaves. If you're looking for it, chances are we have it in stock!

If you have questions or need assistance choosing the right appliance for your home and budget, we're here to help however possible. Whether you need a detailed rundown of how an appliance works or would like to hear more information about our easy financing options, our team will take the time to answer your questions.

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Latest News in Charleston, SC

The Business Narrative: Airport Connector Road Project In Charleston, SC, Receives Key Environmental Approval

Airport Connector Road Project In Charleston, SC, Receives Key Environmental Approval(123rf.com Image)Charleston County’s Airport Connector Road project has received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) determination from the Fede...

Airport Connector Road Project In Charleston, SC, Receives Key Environmental Approval

(123rf.com Image)

Charleston County’s Airport Connector Road project has received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) determination from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a key environmental decision that officially concludes the lengthy environmental review period.

With this determination, the project advances into the right-of-way acquisition phase and toward completion of final design plans.

The FHWA determination letter read in part, “Based on the information provided to complete the environmental process the FHWA finds that the project will have no significant [human or environmental] impacts.”

Officials said the determination is a critical step in the project’s environmental review process and is based on the Environmental Assessment and other supporting information, which detail the project’s need, impact, and planned mitigation measures.

“This determination is a major milestone for the Airport Connector Road project and reflects years of careful planning, environmental study, and collaboration,” said Charleston County Public Works Director Eric Adams.

Adams added, “With this approval in hand, we’re one step closer to delivering critical infrastructure that will improve traffic flow, support economic growth, and provide a safer, more efficient connection to and from the airport.”

The Airport Connector Road project involves construction of a new access roadway to the Charleston International Airport.

Officials said the new five-lane road will help to alleviate traffic congestion caused by commuter traffic, airport-destined traffic, Boeing traffic, and general traffic associated with the North Charleston Coliseum/Performing Arts Center and surrounding area.

Additionally, the project will provide increased traffic capacity to account for future economic growth in the area, the officials said.

Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026 and is expected to take approximately two years.

The FONSI determination letter, Environmental Assessment, and other materials are available at www.airportconnectorroad.com.

Savor Restaurant Group Invests in The Wine Vault

Savor Restaurant Group, a boutique investment firm specializing in distinctive restaurant concepts, announced its investment in The Wine Vault, a wine bar and small plates concept with locations in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Each location features sommelier-curated wine lists with over 200 selections available by the bottle and 40 premium pours by the glass, complemented by seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine.

"This represents exactly what we look for in a partner – passionate operators who've created something with both soul and impressive unit economics," said Pat Martin, managing partner at Savor Restaurant Group. "We're excited to preserve what makes this brand special while supporting its growth into new markets."

The investment continues Savor Restaurant Group's strategy of investing in distinctive hospitality concepts with strong operational foundations and growth potential.

For this brand, the partnership provides access to capital, infrastructure, and expertise needed to scale while maintaining the intimate guest experience that defines the concept.

Financial terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.

Initial plans include opening two additional locations in Virginia in 2027, followed by measured expansion into Nashville, Tennessee and Charleston, South Carolina.

Olympic Steel Welcomes Alex Hegler as General Manager

Olympic Steel Inc. (Nasdaq: ZEUS), a leading national metals service center, added Alex Hegler as general manager for its Action Stainless facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Hegler joins the company with a background in sales and strategic leadership in the metals industry.

Most recently, he served as sales manager for a global specialty metals distributor and service center.

In his new role, Hegler will have responsibility for the day-to-day operations and sustainable growth of the Rock Hill facility. He will report directly to Jessica L. Burroughs, vice president – Action Stainless.

“Alex is an effective commercial leader with a proven record of strategic market expansion,” said Andy Markowitz, president – Specialty Metals. “His global experience will help drive fabrication-focused growth for the Rock Hill facility, Action Stainless and Olympic Steel, particularly as large OEMs and other market leaders evaluate reshoring options for metal processing.”

Hegler earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina.

He replaces John McAuliffe, who will retire as the Rock Hill facility’s general manager after nearly 20 years with the company.

Founded in 1954, Olympic Steel (NASDAQ: ZEUS) is a leading U.S. metals service center focused on the direct sale and value-added processing of carbon and coated sheet, plate, and coil steel products; stainless steel sheet, plate, bar and coil; aluminum sheet, plate and coil; pipe, tube, bar, valves and fittings; tin plate and metal-intensive end-use products, including water treatment systems; stainless steel bollards; commercial, residential and industrial venting and air filtration systems; Wright brand self-dumping hoppers; metal canopy components; and EZ-Dumper dump inserts.

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Olympic Steel operates from 54 facilities.

EY US Unveils Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southeast Award Finalists

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southeast Award.

The Southeast program celebrates entrepreneurs from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities.

The program honors entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow.

An independent panel of judges selected 36 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.

"This year's finalists are leading examples of innovation, perseverance and resilience, illuminating paths to a brighter future for their industries and communities," says Chevy Arnold, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program co-director.

The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

The 2025 Southeast finalists are:

Marc Hodulich | 29029 | Atlanta, Georgia

Damon Stafford | Alpine Intel | Charlotte, North Carolina

Lou Hensley | Aspida | Durham, North Carolina

Matthew Dent | Buffalo Rock Company | Birmingham, Alabama

Melanie Little | Colonial Pipeline Company | Alpharetta, Georgia

Will Bartholomew | D1 Training | Franklin, Tennessee

Rene Diaz | Diaz Foods | Atlanta, Georgia

David Quirk | DLB Associates Consulting Engineers PC | Peachtree Corners, Georgia

Markus Scott | EyeQ Monitoring | Atlanta, Georgia

Jon Gosier | FilmHedge | Atlanta, Georgia

John Fitzpatrick | Force Marketing | Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Barry Patel | Galt Companies | Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Wade Smith | Galt Companies | Atlanta, Georgia

Charles Gillespie | Gambling.com Group | Charlotte, North Carolina

Kevin McCrystle | Gambling.com Group | Charlotte, North Carolina

Mike Griffin | Griffin Brothers Companies | Cornelius, North Carolina

Erin Hanson | Guardian Sports | Peachtree Corners, Georgia

Dan Beem | Hissho Sushi | Charlotte, North Carolina

Aaron Siegel | Home Team BBQ | Charleston, South Carolina

Marc Murphy | Ignite Digital Services | Charleston, South Carolina

Miller Chalk | Inglett & Stubbs, LLC | Mableton, Georgia

Liza Rodewald | Instant Teams | Southern Pines, North Carolina

Stephen Andresen | McClancy Foods & Flavors | Fort Mill, South Carolina

Travis LeFever | Mission Mobile Medical Group | Greensboro, North Carolina

Cyrus Mojdehi | Northway Homes | Charlotte, North Carolina

Connor Ryan | NutraSky | Alpharetta, Georgia

Fritz Owens | OTR Solutions | Roswell, Georgia

Christopher Chuang | Relay, Inc. | Raleigh, North Carolina

Kurt Jacobus | restor3d, Inc. | Durham, North Carolina

Tom Kendrot | Shearwater Health | Nashville, Tennessee

Teak Shore | Southern Lighting Source | Cumberland, Georgia

Cindy Eckert | Sprout Pharmaceuticals | Raleigh, North Carolina

Bryan Moore | TalkShopLive Inc. | Nashville, Tennessee

Tina Moore | TalkShopLive Inc. | Nashville, Tennessee

Igor Marinelli | Tractian | Atlanta, Georgia

Joan Butters | Xsolis | Franklin, Tennessee.

Learn more about the finalists at https://www.ey.com/en_us/entrepreneur-of-the-year-us/southeast/winners-finalists.

Regional award winners will be announced on June 25 during a special celebration.

The winners will then be considered by the National independent panel of judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation’s prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Allow us to tell your company's Business Narrative. Send your press release to David Dykes or for more information email ddykes@intmedpub.com

Concert Countdown: We've got the best May concerts to attend in Charleston

Your May concert countdown is here, looking ahead at some of the best shows coming to Charleston this month. We've got quite the mix, and now that the weather has warmed up the outdoor venues around town are in full swing as well.And because outdoor venues are so tapped in this month, I'm including some clusters below for you to pick from all the stellar shows happening at particular venues, like The Windjammer and Credit One Stadium.Don't forget to slather on that sunscreen when you head to an outdoor show (trust me, I've lear...

Your May concert countdown is here, looking ahead at some of the best shows coming to Charleston this month. We've got quite the mix, and now that the weather has warmed up the outdoor venues around town are in full swing as well.

And because outdoor venues are so tapped in this month, I'm including some clusters below for you to pick from all the stellar shows happening at particular venues, like The Windjammer and Credit One Stadium.

Don't forget to slather on that sunscreen when you head to an outdoor show (trust me, I've learned the hard way)!

Windjammer shows (including Mark Bryan)

What: May is a packed month at The Windjammer, with so many bands to highlight playing the NUTRL Beach Stage. I'll give a shout out to a few here: Yonder Mountain String Band, Brent Cobb, Everclear, Leftover Salmon, Vincent Mason, GoldFord, two nights of Corey Smith, two nights of Umphrey's McGee, two nights of Futurebirds and two nights of Stoplight Observations.

Among the stellar lineup is also Hootie & The Blowfish's own Mark Bryan, a Charleston local who has released three solo albums beyond his Hootie years. I'll include those details below, but check out the general website for all the details on the others.

When: Doors at 6 p.m. May 3

Where: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms

Price: $20 advance, $25 day of show

More Info: the-windjammer.com/event/mark-bryan

Credit One Stadium shows (including Sturgill Simpson)

What: It's a busy month at Credit One Stadium following a successful tennis tournament at the venue in April. This month, you can snag tickets to see the following artists there: Cody Johnson & Friends, Hank Williams Jr., two nights of Widespread Panic and Keith Urban.

Also on the list is Sturgill Simpson, known in the contemporary country music world for his traditional sound and introspective lyrics.

O2 Fitness in West Ashley surprises members with 'disappointing' news about closure

A West Ashley gym will power down for good next month, leaving customers crushed.O2 Fitness at 1119 Wappoo Road sent an email to members at 2 p.m. April 18, stating, "our lease terminates at the end of May and we have been unable to find a path forward to maintain."The final day is May 31 with the closure time scheduled for 7 p.m.The gym anchors the Ashley Oaks Plaza, situated in the middle of a grou...

A West Ashley gym will power down for good next month, leaving customers crushed.

O2 Fitness at 1119 Wappoo Road sent an email to members at 2 p.m. April 18, stating, "our lease terminates at the end of May and we have been unable to find a path forward to maintain."

The final day is May 31 with the closure time scheduled for 7 p.m.

The gym anchors the Ashley Oaks Plaza, situated in the middle of a group of tenants that include West Ashley Hardware/TrueValue, Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant, Kings Sushi, Lavish Nail Salon, Ultratan and newly added Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids.

"As a local company born and raised in the Carolinas, with roots in Charleston going back 25 years, this is a disappointing situation," the email said.

The Raleigh-based fitness chain first opened the West Ashley location in January 2019.

The gym was one of three workout centers, including Daniel Island and Moncks Corner, to replace existing facilities O2 inherited after its purchase of the former East Shore Athletic Club's Charleston-area operations in 2013.

"These three upgrades, along with the addition of our beautiful James Island club late last year, help showcase our commitment to providing the Charleston-area with first-class fitness facilities,” O2 Fitness founder and CEO Michael Olander previously told The Post and Courier.

Memberships to the West Ashley location remain active at O2 Fitness on Folly Road, with no action required, the company said.

The chain operates 19 fitness centers, mostly in North Carolina.

Kardea Brown's Southern Kitchen restaurant at Charleston International airport opens soon

A new restaurant run by a locally based celebrity chef is preparing to touch down at Charleston International.When visitors to the airport's Kardea Brown's Southern Kitchen sit down for "contemporary Lowcountry cuisine," Food Network chef Kardea Brown wants them to feel like family.A sign that reads "Hey cousins...

A new restaurant run by a locally based celebrity chef is preparing to touch down at Charleston International.

When visitors to the airport's Kardea Brown's Southern Kitchen sit down for "contemporary Lowcountry cuisine," Food Network chef Kardea Brown wants them to feel like family.

A sign that reads "Hey cousins!" was installed above the bar in the space that previously housed Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill. Brown says fans of her shows or cookbooks will likely recognize the menu selections.

She's the host of "Delicious Miss Brown" and is known for known for her regional Gullah-inspired cuisine.

Brown was scheduled to hold a soft opening April 19 at CHS. A grand opening is planned for May 15.

The restaurant is part of a $6 million investment that airport concessionaire Delaware North plans to make in its latest shakeup of dining options.

Brown was onsite the week of April 14 to train staff and put the finishing touches on the space.

"As a Charleston girl born and raised, it's just a dream come true to have a restaurant named after me in the Charleston airport," she said.

Now on tour

A company that describes itself as the nation's largest operator of themed sightseeing vehicles has brought its Old Town Trolley Tours to Charleston.

Historic Tours of America Inc. launched operations in the Holy City earlier this month.

Old Town offers a 100-minute live narrated tour with two photo stops at the Battery and Hampton Park. The outings depart daily from the Charleston Visitor Center at 375 Meeting St. from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The itineraries covers points of interest, including Rainbow Row, The Citadel, the Old Exchange, Broad Street, Liberty Square, the Powder Magazine, the Old Slave Mart Museum and historic churches. Trips to the historic plantations at Boone Hall in Mount Pleasant and Magnolia in West Ashley also are available.

Ticket prices range from about $36 to $75, according to Historic Tours' website.

CEO Chris Belland said the Key West, Fla.-based company had wanted to expand for some time to Charleston, saying it's "a perfect destination with history, attractions, fascinating stories and fabulous people, which is what we look for when going into a city.”

The company also launched a Hometown pass program for Charleston County residents that offers a free admission with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Old Town operates tours in eight other cities.

Reach Megan Fernandes at mfernandes@postandcourier.com.

BermudAir lands at Charleston International, offering a first-of-its-kind nonstop

Bermuda's pink-sand beaches are just a nonstop flight away for Lowcountry residents, now that BermudAir has launched its newests nonstop route."Ladies and Gentlemen, the first Bermuda flight to Charleston has just landed. We will be boarding shortly," an airline gate agent said over the airport's intercom as the direct flight from Bermuda touched down on the CHS runway April 19.It was followed by applause of passengers waiting to board....

Bermuda's pink-sand beaches are just a nonstop flight away for Lowcountry residents, now that BermudAir has launched its newests nonstop route.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the first Bermuda flight to Charleston has just landed. We will be boarding shortly," an airline gate agent said over the airport's intercom as the direct flight from Bermuda touched down on the CHS runway April 19.

It was followed by applause of passengers waiting to board.

The excitement drew onlookers from nearby gates to the window to watch the plane marked with a colorful bright tail pull into gate A1. The pilots, still in the cockpit, waved at the crowd.

Fran Tucker Griffiths was among the group, waiting with her ticket and passport in hand to board. She lived in Bermuda for 38 years and raised her children on the island. To her, it's still home even though she spends most of her time in South Carolina now.

"The day they announced this flight, I booked it," Tucker Griffiths said. "I'm so excited. I've been waiting since 1982 for a nonstop route. We've had to fly Delta through Atlanta and make a whole day of it, but this two-hour flight saves us a day of travel."

She already has tickets booked for May and June trips.

"Bermuda has amazing golf and the most beautiful beaches and people. It's just a special place," Tucker Griffiths said.

The resort island's carrier will serve Charleston year-round with a once-weekly Saturday flight to and from L.F. Wade International Airport in the historic town of St. George.

The weekly flight departs CHS at 5:30 p.m. every Saturday and arrives in St. George's about two hours and 10 minutes later. The return leg will land around 4:45 p.m. every Saturday.

BermudAir took to the skies slightly over a year ago, with two Embraer ER-170 jets to serve three U.S. cities. Before the carrier hit its first anniversary, it had entered seven markets in North America. BermudAir now flies to 10 destinations in the U.S. and three in Canada.

BermudAir is the first carrier to be headquartered on the island, which is about 900 miles nearly due east of the South Carolina coastline.

CEO Adam D. Scott said year-round service is key to its goal of making Bermuda a destination for business and leisure travelers beyond being a summer destination.

"We're really pleased with the interest from both directions," Scott said.

Scott was on the inaugural CHS flight, which was more than 60 percent full. He said it's sometimes hard to anticipate how balanced the outbound and inbound traffic will be. He said seeing the balance from day one is "indicative of the demand in both markets."

"Charleston a great historic city with a lot of unique character, and so is Bermuda," Scott said.

More than 40 passengers deplaned at CHS, and another 30 boarded shortly after.

Among those landing in Charleston was a Daniel Island family returning from a spring break trip. Frank Pete and wife Katy and two children chose Bermuda as their vacation destination because they could take the BermudAir flight home.

"It was nice clearing customs in Bermuda, because it made flying back a breeze as if we were flying domestic," he said. "The experience was great. We enjoyed the stalagmite caves, beaches and cliff jumping on the trip."

While the once-weekly route is not ideal for those staying longer or less than a week, Scott, the CEO, said the goal is to move to a twice-weekly flight in the future if interest remains strong. He doesn't see it as a weakness in the meantime, since passengers can fly back to the U.S. with the carrier and get back to Charleston via a domestic connection. Alternatively, they can fly through another carrier, which also requires a connecting flight.

Bermuda is known as a vibrant, tropical and cosmopolitan getaway with blush-colored sand, coral reefs, historic sites and an international finance sector.

Travelers from Bermuda shared their favorite sights to see beyond the pink sand beaches it's most known for — like crystal caves, the historic town of St. George, Royal Naval Dockyard and other spots.

Charleston International CEO Elliott Summey said the schedule between the Lowcountry and Bermuda "marks a significant milestone for both regions" and promotes business and leisure travel between the two areas.

“This new route enhances our international connectivity and strengthens economic and cultural ties between the Lowcountry and the island," Summey said.

Debi Ray-Rivers is an example of that business demand. She's a Bermudian who just recently moved to Hilton Head Island full-time. She was on her way to Bermuda to manage her nonprofit and she has a return ticket booked for next week.

"I will be flying back and forth regularly, so I am very excited to have this convenient option," Ray-Rivers said.

Before BermudAir, she'd fly out from Savannah-Hilton Head International to a connecting flight in Atlanta.

"I hope people come visit Bermuda because of this route. We have the most beautiful island and it's an absolute gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean," Ray-Rivers added.

Beverly Connell, a Bermudian that lives in the Beaufort area, said the route saves her from the usual long layover in Atlanta or Charlotte airports.

"I couldn't believe there would ever be a direct flight to Bermuda from Charleston. The less airports you have to go through the better," Connell said.

Connell said the two pairings share much in common, with historic sites, beaches and big tourism industries.

"Bermuda is very unique in terms of its beauty, its people and culture rooted in English and Bermudian traditions," she said.

Reach Megan Fernandes at mfernandes@postandcourier.com.

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