Best Department Stores In Edinburgh For One-Stop Shopping Sprees

Whether it’s window-shopping or the real deal that takes your fancy, nothing beats scouring through every surface of a department store floor or embarking on an epic shopping spree. Thankfully, Edinburgh hosts multiple options – this makes it all the easier to find this season’s ‘It bag’ or perfect party cocktail dress. Here, we round up the best department stores in the city for one-stop shopping sprees.

1. Harvey Nichols

Store

Known to locals as ‘Harvey Nics’, this up-scale department store is a dreamland for every fashionista and fashionisto. There are five floors of fun to be had, with strategically-placed chic spots for food at the very top. The ground floor is a makeup artist’s playground with all the usual suspects from Mac to Bobbi Brown and Nars. Bag lovers can also spend hours on this floor and hover over this season’s Balenciaga, Chloé, or Marc Jacobs – and that’s just scraping the surface. The first and second floors consist of contemporary and international collections, casual clothes, formal wear, and shoes. Expect to find every luxury fashion name out there and delight in everything from iconic pieces to the more avant-garde. Make sure to appreciate the window displays too – they are always magnificent works of art.

2. Jenners

Store

House of Fraser Jenners Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Jenners has been one of the main shopping spots of the city since 1838. This swish retail haven is the oldest department store in Edinburgh, and was acquired by House Of Fraser in 2005. The architecture is pleasing to the eye, as are the contents inside. Although it may not contain super luxe high fashion brands, Jenners is an excellent stop for the usual designer contenders. The toy department is a blast from the past and rivals the one in Home Alone 2. Jenners is also a favourite for wedding lists, with its extensive selection of electronics. Make sure to visit during the holiday season – the Christmas tree in the centre is a vision that seems to ascend into the heavens.

3. John Lewis

John Lewis

A visit to John Lewis is always a win-win. Even the pickiest of shoppers will surely be satisfied with the myriad of choices and price ranges. Expect timeless finds in the handbag and shoe department, and the womens and menswear floors offer an abundance of night-out and party pieces too. The kids’ department is more than you could ever want, and the interior and electronics areas are some of the best in Edinburgh. Careful – a day here could result in a brand-new wardrobe and a freshly decorated house.
John Lewis, St James Shopping, St James Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland +44 131 556 9121

John Lewis | © Elliott Brown/Flickr

5. Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer (or Marks & Sparks) is British to the core. Where else can you find top-notch grocery items and get a gorgeous dress at the same time? It is no secret that M&S are famous for having a stellar selection of lingerie and underwear too; English rose supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley raised the knicker stats and made heads swivel when she launched her exquisite line there in 2012. Browse to find cosy cashmere sweaters, fabulous shoes and a brilliant beauty range. Looking for a timeless, good-quality winter coat that doesn’t cost a month’s rent? This is the place.
Marks & Spencer, 54 Princes St, Edinburgh, Scotland +44 131 225 2301

M&S | © TShops/WikiCommons

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