But recent decades have not been kind to many of retailing giants, and the likes of the iconic Jenners, John Menzies, C&A, Littlewoods and Woolworths have all disappeared.
Take a look through our picture gallery to see 11 Princes Street shops locals would like to see make a comeback.
. Gone but not forgotten
Take a look through our picture gallery to see 10 Princes Street shops locals would like to see make a comeback. Photo: Third Party
. The Disney Store
To have a Disney store on a street named Princes Street, was pretty much a match made in heaven. If we close our eyes, we can still keenly recall the huge wall of fluffy Disney characters, the overwhelming aroma of polycarbonate plastic, and all set to the strains of Disney composer Alan Menken. Photo: PAUL RAEBURN
. Wimpy
Back in the day, Wimpy's burgers represented the best of British and served as the main rival to the hot shot American intruder, McDonald's. This particular fast food outlet eventually became a Burger King in the 1990s and Wimpy burger soon disappeared from Princes Street for good. Photo: TSPL
. Lilywhites
It's been decades since Lilywhites sports shop occupied Princes Street, but plenty of people still recall the shop fondly. Photo: Ian Brand
9. Woolworth
The original 'pound' shop, Woolworths was much loved by Edinburgh shoppers and the flagship store at the east end of Princes Street was forever packed to the rafters on the weekends. Photo: IAN BRAND
10. British Home Stores
The frontage of British Home Stores in Princes Street Edinburgh in October 1970. The popular UK-wide department store giant sadly imploded in 2016. Photo: Ian Brand
11. John Menzies
Exterior of John Menzies store in Princes Street Edinburgh, April 1979. Photo: Hamish Campbell
12. Jenners
Edinburgh's most iconic department store closed its doors due to Covid restrictions in May 2020 - and never reopened again. Jenners had been a landmark on Princes Street for more than 180 years - and it is much missed. Photo: Third Party