EDINBURGH locals have slammed the “bleak” state of Princes Street as the former Debenhams building has been turned into a “holy trinity of money laundering”.
One local spotted new signage on the front of the former department store – which closed in May 2021 – on the city’s famous high street yesterday.
It appears the vacant premises has been split into three stores: yet another Scottish-themed gift shop, a second selling Harry Potter themed merchandise and an American-style sweet shop.
Such stores, which Edinburgh already has several of, have often been playfully speculated to be fronts for money laundering activities.
Locals have been quick to share their displeasure over what was once Edinburgh’s bustling main shopping street has become.
Although only the Scottish gift shop, named “The Edinburgh Gift Vault”, appears to be operational, the signage for the other two indicate they will be opening their doors soon.
One appears to be American-style store Kingdom of Sweets, which previously had a unit further along the street.
It will join another two similar stores on the same part of Princes Street.
The snap of the building was shared to social media yesterday with the caption: “The former Debenhams Princes Street is now a holy trinity of money laundering.
“A tartan gift emporium, Kingdom of Sweets and [a] Harry Potter tat shop all under one roof.
“If it weren’t for how totally bleak this is I’d be impressed.”
It has since received over 380 likes and more than 120 comments, from locals quick to share their strong opinions.
One wrote: “It’s always been s***e, but by God, it’s in the worst state it has ever been. An absolute embarrassment that it is Edinburgh’s ‘main street’.
A second quipped: “So just needs barbers, a nail bar, tanning booths and a car wash?”
Another said: “Going further back, there were greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers and bakers along with assorted tea rooms.
“You could get the bus down, do your week’s shopping and take a break for a chat and a cuppa.
“Nowadays who the hell wants to walk down Princes Street?”
A fourth commented: “Bleak is the word. Jesus Christ.
“Princes Street could be one of the finest commercial streets in the world
“The view across to the Old Town is completely unmatched but the street is crammed with absolute s**tshow shops and constant traffic.
“I guess tourists lap this s**t up though.”
Another wrote: “Was always up Princes Street as a kid, and was up a couple of weeks ago.
“Jeezo what a disaster the place has turned into. [At] Least I have the old memories.”
