It's not just the people of Edinburgh who are feeling the financial squeeze that the cost of living crisis is causing across the country.
Businesses are also struggling under the pressure of bills and profitable gain, with many just getting by. Unfortunately, it means that lots of stores across the capital have been forced to shut their doors for goods. The long stretch that is Princes Street, which was once a stalwart for hundreds of booming stores and flagship stores, is becoming increasingly quiet.
Locals have watched on as store after store has been shut down, as many businesses fall into administration. Stores like Topshop and Debenhams are now online only, and their buildings still sit derelict on the capital's main road. So, here at Edinburgh Live, we wanted to see just how many stores have been closed on the iconic high street.
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How many shops have shut down on Edinburgh's Princes Street?
Currently, there are approximately eight buildings for let or lease on Edinburgh's Princes Street - with very few in development to become new stores.
There were many stores closed permanently, but some were shut down to be moved to bigger premises - for example, the Next on Princes Street has been moved to St James Quarter in a bigger space.
The same goes for Holland & Barrett - while their store on Princes Street remains open for now, signs outside state that they will be moving to a larger "flagship" store soon.
Many iconic buildings have come and gone in Edinburgh, but these are the ones that stand out the most as I trekked the streets of the capital.
Iconic stores that are no more on Princes Street
Jenners
Following the devastating fire that injured five emergency service workers and killed firefighter Barry Martin, the Jenners building lies derelict and surrounded with tributes to the heroic man.
Four firefighters and one police officer were also injured in the blaze that stripped the interior of the iconic building to ash and dust, and burned for over five hours.
The building was already closed to the public as property bosses planned to turn the store into something else - but the fire has put these plans on hold for the foreseeable future.
Topshop
Since Topshop and Topman were taken over by ASOS in 2021, stores across the UK closed down and were never opened again, as the brand was directed into an online store.
The Topshop establishment in Edinburgh has been closed since, but plans are in development to turn it into a luxury hotel with a bar and restaurant included.
As reported by Edinburgh Live in 2021, plans have been put forward to the City of Edinburgh Council that detail that the ground floor and basement would contain a new restaurant and bar premises.
Debenhams
Debenhams used to be a stalwart of the high street, with thousands of stores littered across the country.
But, the kingpin of department stores was placed into administration for the final time during the pandemic, with the only way to purchase items now is through their website.
On Princes Street, the Debenhams is currently undergoing a demolition job inside, with workers on hand at the time of writing destroying the inside of the old department store - but what for?
Edinburgh Live reported in 2022 that the old Debenhams building will be turned into a luxury hotel with a large spa, as proposed plans were accepted in 2021.
HMV
Back in 2016, music giants HMV closed their doors on Princes Street in Edinburgh, and handed the lease over to controversial retailer Sports Direct.
Many were disappointed with this switch, as the Sports Direct store still stands open today - but HMV returned to Princes Street, filling a store vacancy that Gap left behind.
Now everyone's happy - record-lovers can return to their beloved HMV, and sporty people can get their fix at Sports Direct.
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