Fresh hope for Edinburgh's 'iconic' Princes Street as Uniqlo to open doors

It was once home to high street giants and iconic department stores, but Edinburgh’s shopping street has been severely economically impacted in recent years.

The Covid pandemic, cost of living crisis, increased online shopping habits, and the opening of a multi-million pound shopping development have been hard hitting for Princes Street.

However, there is fresh hope for the city high street as Uniqlo has been working on the final touches ahead of opening its first Scottish store.

The popular cross-body bags will be on sale in Edinburgh. STV News

The Japanese retailer, which produces clothing and accessories for men, women and children, will open up on Edinburgh’s Princes Street on Thursday, April 25.

The store, which marks Uniqlo’s first entrance into Scotland, will have a sales floor of approximately 1,430 sq metres, spread across two levels.

The fashion retailer will span two floors. Uniqlo

Its products, including the brand’s sell-out £14.90 bags and its LifeWear line, often go viral in the UK.

Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer at Uniqlo UK told STV News: “Our strategy when opening new stores is always to have set locations that have a very deep heritage also from an architectural perspective, so obviously choosing this location a grade II listed building with the most wonderful view in the city was, for us, a no brainer.

“We’re really excited to be opening here because we believe this is a step in the regeneration of Princes Street and Edinburgh and we want to play a part in the rebirth of this historical iconic shopping street.”