Welcome to Jenners Edinburgh

Discover the history and legacy of Scotland's oldest independent department store

Jenners Edinburgh, a history

Jenners Edinburgh is a landmark of Scottish retail history, with a rich legacy dating back to the early 19th century. We are committed to preserving this legacy and providing a unique shopping experience for our customers.

Jenners was the oldest independent department store in the world, having maintained its original position on Princes Street, Edinburgh, since 1838.

Situated in the heart of Scotland's thriving capital city, this magnificent building is home to over one hundred different departments, selling everything from international designer fashion to locally crafted Scottish goods.

Jenners has gained a world-wide reputation for selling the finest contemporary merchandise with traditional, first-class customer service.

In a building that is now over l00 years old, you should not be surprised to see designer names like Armani, DKNY, Moschino and Paul Smith, exclusive names from the perfumery houses of the world, the most sought after toys and the most delicious Scottish fare.

But they lie well in a store that, in its third century of trading, has retained its enviable reputation for quality and style.

In 2002, Jenners opened a new store at Loch Lomond Shores, the gateway to Scotland's first National Park. The beauty of the loch and surrounding hills, the stunning buildings which blend in with this striking setting, combined with the best in contemporary fashion, food, homeware and accessories. It all adds up to a truly unique shopping experience.

Jenners also operates outlets at Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports, offering a selection of fine food and gifts for travellers.

Jenners History

Often dubbed the "Harrods of the North" this traditional department store on Princes Street was always about the retail "experience" rather than bagging the bargains.

Jenners Department Store (or more generally known simply as "Jenners") has been on Princes Street since 1838, when it was founded by linen draper Charles Jenner and Charles Kennington. It was known as "Kennington & Jenner".

The famous landmark building that you currently find on Princes Street was replacement for the original building destroyed by fire in 1892. It was designed by celebrated Edinburgh architect William Hamilton Beattie, who also designed the Balmoral and Carlton Hotel. It opened in 1895 with technical innovations like hydraulic lifts and electricity.

The Victorian department store was run for many years by the Douglas-Miller family, who were descendants of James Kennedy, who took charge of Jenners in 1881. The Douglas-Miller family sold the business to House of Fraser in 2005, which owns the commercial rights to the Jenners trading name. House of Fraser is now owned by Sports Direct retailer Mike Ashley and the building is owned by a property firm belonging to Danish tycoon Anders Holch Povlsen.

Jenners' open atrium over three floors, its balconies, and the architectural ornamentation and detail in its facade and interior harks back to a different era of bricks 'n' mortar shopping when you could find everything from office ware to habberdashery under the same roof. The food store on the top floor of the building - the original Victorian gallery - was always a popular place for gifts and the cafe for cream teas.

At Christmas, Jenners is known for having a tall Christmas tree in the centre of the atrium, with the surrounding balconies draped in lights.

The Jenners building is a grade A listed building, with entrances at Princes Street, Rose Street and South St David Street.