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Situated just a few doors along from its main rival, HMV, Virgin Megastore thrived in an era when consumers still purchased physical music and film in person and in large quantities. The multi-level store closed for good in the late 2000s.Situated just a few doors along from its main rival, HMV, Virgin Megastore thrived in an era when consumers still purchased physical music and film in person and in large quantities. The multi-level store closed for good in the late 2000s.
Situated just a few doors along from its main rival, HMV, Virgin Megastore thrived in an era when consumers still purchased physical music and film in person and in large quantities. The multi-level store closed for good in the late 2000s.

The iconic Princes Street shops Edinburgh locals want to see make a comeback (Part 2)

These days it seems that Princes Street’s shops change hands with the seasons, but delving back into our archives reminds us of the dozens of household names that stuck around long enough to be remembered forever.
By David McLean
Published 9th Mar 2021, 12:27 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2021, 12:34 BST

For generations high quality brands such as Jenners, Darlings, and RW Forsyth shared the kilometre-long thoroughfare with a raft of popular stores, including John Menzies, C&A, Littlewoods, Woolworths, and Binn’s.

But recent decades have not been kind to these former retailing giants, and today only Jenners remains, and even that particular Edinburgh icon is all set to vanish.

Away from the big stores, there were plenty smaller outlets that also made their own indelible mark.

Many locals still recall their days shopping at the likes of Lillywhites sports shop, Rankin’s fruit & veg, and Saxone’s shoes. Successful UK-wide franchises such as HMV, Virgin Megastore, the Disney Store, and Burberry are much-missed too.

We asked the public which iconic shops they would like to see return to the city’s main drag, and, boy, did they answer.

Following on from part one in this short series, here are 9 more Princes Street shops we’d like to see make a comeback.

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Away from the big stores, there were plenty smaller outlets that also made their own indelible mark.

Lots of readers got in touch to say Saxone shoe shop was a must for this picture article. At its height in the 20th century, Saxone was the largest footwear manufacturer in Scotland.

5. Saxone shoe shop

Lots of readers got in touch to say Saxone shoe shop was a must for this picture article. At its height in the 20th century, Saxone was the largest footwear manufacturer in Scotland. Photo: TSPL

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Before House of Fraser at the West End, there was Binn's and it was hugely popular for much of the last century. Pictured is a view of Binn's underwear department. To paraphrase Father Ted, it was Scotland's biggest lingerie section, we understand.

6. Binn's department store

Before House of Fraser at the West End, there was Binn's and it was hugely popular for much of the last century. Pictured is a view of Binn's underwear department. To paraphrase Father Ted, it was Scotland's biggest lingerie section, we understand. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood

Photo Sales
Local chain Rankins' greengrocers were once ubiquitous in the Capital. Renowned for the high calibre of their produce, the family-run business sold up in the 1980s.

7. Rankins' Flowers and Fruit

Local chain Rankins' greengrocers were once ubiquitous in the Capital. Renowned for the high calibre of their produce, the family-run business sold up in the 1980s. Photo: TSPL

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Upmarket department store and tearooms Darling & Company was owned by former Edinburgh Lord Provost William Darling, the great-uncle of former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Labour politician Alistair Darling.

8. Darling & Co

Upmarket department store and tearooms Darling & Company was owned by former Edinburgh Lord Provost William Darling, the great-uncle of former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Labour politician Alistair Darling. Photo: TSPL

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