In the post-war era, Auld Reekie boasted a long list of them within a mile’s radius of the Castle, but the vast majority of them are sadly no longer with us.
Many of the big stores had thrived since the Victorian and Edwardian eras, but gradually began to close over the course of the 20th century as shopping trends shifted.
We’ve trawled through the picture archives to bring you 12 Edinburgh department stores that we loved and lost.
6. Peter Allan, South Bridge
The first people in the queue get in to the sale at Peter Allans department store in South Bridge, 1960s. Photo: George Smith
7. Binns, Princes Street
Binns department store Princes Street Edinburgh. Sale queue, 1950s. Photo: Unknown
8. J & R Allan, South Bridge
Mannequin parade and fashion show at J & R Allan's, March 1962 Photo: Unknown
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