It wasn’t everyone’s idea of fun after the indulgences of Christmas, but Boxing Day and New Year sales used to a well-established tradition in Edinburgh and across the country. After splashing out on presents for family and friends, it was a chance to get a bargain or two for yourself.
The advent of online shopping, Black Friday and pre-Christmas discounts have dented the popularity of queuing in person to snap up cut-price clothes and quality goods going cheap.
But here are some pictures of Edinburgh’s festive season sales over the years.
But here are some pictures of Edinburgh’s festive season sales over the years.
. Queuing at RW Forsyth in 1980
Customers queue up for the Christmas and Boxing Day sales at RW Forsyth department store in Princes Street, December 1980. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
. Winter Sale at Small's
Shopper Caroline Kenley makes the most of the winter sale at Small's in Princes Street in 1967. Photo: George Smith
5. Rummaging at Patrick Thomson's
Customers having a rummage in the hunt for bargains at Patrick Thomson's winter sale in December 1973. Photo: Albert Jordan
6. Pounding the streets for bargains
Edinburgh shoppers braved the cold and wet weather to get he very best from the post-Christmas sales in 2012. Photo: Joey Kelly
7. Rushing for a bargain
A busy scene on Princes Street during the post-Christmas sales in 2008. Photo: Neil Hanna
8. Big price cuts to tempt shoppers
Thousands of bargain-hunters hit the streets of Edinburgh after Christmas in 2009 as stores slashed prices by up to 75 per cent, hoping to tempt shoppers back after a difficult festive season. Photo: Greg Macvean