‘Jenners is Edinburgh’: Readers react to the news that Edinburgh’s most iconic store is closing

Readers have reacted strongly to the news that Edinburgh’s most iconic department store, Jenners, has announced its closing date.

The business failed to reach an agreement with owner Anders Povlsen over the future of the store.

Frasers Group plc, which runs the store, said it will cease trading - after more than 180 years of business - on May 3, 2021.

The news is thought to threaten around 200 jobs.

It is understood that a multi-million pound renovation will see a hotel, cafes and rooftop restaurant replace the existing department store.

A potential raft of luxury shops linked to Mr Povlsen’s clothing empire, Bestseller, could also take up residency in the building.

Aileen Rutherford echoed what many readers thought, commenting: “Just what Edinburgh doesn't need! Another hotel!”

Readers have reacted strongly to the news that Edinburgh’s most iconic department store, Jenners, has announced its closing date. (Photo by Ross Gilmore/Getty Images for Unicef)

Raymond Young said the building should be turned into affordable housing, insisting: “No more hotels, no more businesses and definitely no more students in Edinburgh!”

But Christine Anderson argued that the proposed hotel would be “stunning” and added that the news was “another plus to tidy up Princes Street.”

Others expressed remorse at losing a piece of Edinburgh’s heritage.

Maud Ness called the news “so sad.,” and said “I worked there almost 20 years ago.

“Such a nice place to go and chill out.”

Gordon McCallum said the closure was a shame, claiming the store had “always been part of Edinburgh.”

Hilary West was “sorry to see this lovely iconic store going.

“Always enjoyed visiting it when I came home.”

Joyce Camp said simply: “Jenners is Edinburgh.”

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