In the post-war era, Edinburgh boasted a long list of them within a mile’s radius of the Castle. Sadly, the vast majority of them closed their doors long ago.
Many of the Capital’s large department stores had thrived since the Victorian and Edwardian eras, but over the course of the 20th century, as shopping trends shifted, theygradually began to close one by one.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see a dozen of the most iconic Edinburgh department stores that are sadly no longer open.
5. 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
6. Blyths, Earl Grey Street
Wrapped up against the early morning cold these intrepid bargain hunters are first in the queue at Blyth's department store in Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh for the start of the January sale, 1950s. Photo: Unknown
7. J & R Allan, South Bridge
Mannequin parade and fashion show at J & R Allan's, March 1962 Photo: Unknown
8. Binns, Princes Street
Binns department store Princes Street Edinburgh. Sale queue, 1950s. Photo: Unknown