Edinburgh’s ‘shunned’ shopping centre that was once top for locals

Perched in an enviable location, Waverley Market shopping centre towers above Edinburgh’s bustling train station, yet during a mid-morning visit on a Thursday, Edinburgh Live found the centre strangely quiet. The question arises, what can be done to breathe new life into this shopping hub?

Once a thriving destination, retailers have expressed concerns with decreased footfall and rising vacancies. Eateries on the “Food Market” level enjoy a constant stream of diners, presenting an array of choices; however, other parts of the mall are not as fortunate.

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According to staff at one shop: “There needs to be more clothes shops, there is just nothing here. Kingdom of Sweets have moved in next to Flying Tiger but it is just dead down that end. Superdry shut down a long time ago now and then Body Shop recently. unless you go for a Greggs or Starbucks, nothing is down there.”

The Whisky Shop revealed anticipation for a new food and beverage venue setting up opposite Greggs, although details about the newcomer remain under wraps for now.

Amidst sparse shoppers, those interviewed shared positive remarks about the mall but also expressed a desire to see actions taken to attract more visitors and fill the empty spaces. They believe the mall must bring in renowned retail brands to increase its appeal, reports Edinburgh Live.

Brian from Eskbank shared: “I honestly don’t come here to shop, I get the train through for work and use the centre to cut through quicker than going up onto Princes Street. Only time I see it busy is at Christmas time.”

Janice from Dundee remarked: “Since they got rid of Frasers, Debenhams and the rest of the department stores etc there is nothing along Princes Street so It is either here or St James Quarter although I haven’t been in there yet since it was done up. We went down to Ocean Terminal one time, we went all the way out there and was really disappointed with it.”

She also added, “Waverley Market could be doing with more clothes shops – not designer shops necessarily. Something for older ladies like Bonne Marche would be ideal for me.”

The shopping centre, which has undergone several name changes, was originally established as Waverley Market back in 1984. Following its inception, there was an official opening ceremony in the summer of 1985, graced by none other than Queen Elizabeth II.

It’s whispered that it was within the confines of Waverley Market where the Queen had her first encounter with an escalator.

The centre’s refurbishment in the 90s led to a rebranding as Waverley Shopping Centre, and then in the early 2000s, it adopted the name “Princes Mall”. A further change took place in 2016 when it became known as Waverley Mall, before finally reverting to its original moniker, Waverley Market, in 2021.

In the heart of Edinburgh, Veronica, a city centre worker who resides locally, shared, “I only come in for the Post office and the In Post Locker, I sell a lot of clothes online so when I have my lunch break I can come here and do it all at once. Apart from maybe grabbing a coffee the centre doesn’t really entice me here for shopping.”

It was noted by several shopkeepers that tourists appear to be the primary clientele in the area rather than Edinburgh locals.

Scottish Borders resident Allan remarked, “I come in because it is convenient, it’s right next to the station so not far to go. The wife used to like clothes shopping and stopping by the Body Shop but there is not much on offer like that now. It is handy if we need a gift for someone’s birthday etc, we can go to the touristy shops, the Whisky shop or the stalls offer such lovely gifts too.”

Louise, hailing from East Lothian, drew comparisons between the centre and the new St James Quarter, adding, “If I come into town and I am pushed for time, it is always St James – hands down. The one thing I will say about Waverley Market is that is so much more relaxed – I’d rather bring my mother who is elderly here, she won’t feel as rushed or stressed. I’d say it would also suit someone with sensory issues – this place isn’t as overwhelming for them, it isn’t too noisy or busy.”