A Little Funky, A Lot of Wild

We at Fig Magazine have a dare for you. We dare you to head to Black Octopus Mercantile on Spruill Avenue in Park Circle, just a short drive from the downtown shopping spots we sometimes point you toward. We dare you to walk inside and browse the shelves. And we dare you not to giggle with delight.

We don’t think you can do it.

Because Black Octopus Mercantile is the kind of place where you’ll find gifts, apparel, and accessories featuring bold, joyful designs that take familiar coastal flora and fauna and turn them into something delightfully unexpected.

Case in point: a magnet featuring playful dolphins—basically Charleston’s unofficial mascots, right alongside alligators—frolicking in the iconic Pineapple Fountain, or a duck throwing a shaka while clutching a wildly decorated surfboard. Everything at Black Octopus feels uniquely Charleston: fun, funky, slightly weird, and impossible not to love.

You’re going to laugh. We know you are. Black Octopus practically radiates joy.

Behind every design is award-winning local artist Missy Johnson, whose creative energy can best be described as equal parts chaotic and adorable. Her retro-inspired artwork looks right at home on everything from tie-dyed tees to trucker hats and beyond. Each piece reflects the quirky blend of surf culture, wildlife, local pride, and offbeat humor that Lowcountry locals know so well.

What began as a simple idea—local, fun, and a little funky—has grown into a beloved brand rooted in thoughtful design and deep community connection. Every piece reflects the places the team at Black Octopus loves, the people around them, and the laid-back coastal spirit that makes Charleston feel like home.

From concept to print, Black Octopus focuses on quality, originality, and keeping production close to home. In the process, they’ve become one of the many reasons Park Circle remains one of the most vibrant and joy-filled corners of the Lowcountry.

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