Jane Davidson closure date: Famous Edinburgh designer fashion boutique thanks customers

An Edinburgh fashion boutique that has stood in the city for more than half a century is closing later this year.

Jane Davidson, on Thistle Street, is set to “go out on a high” after proprietor Sarah Murray announced the closure next month of the outlet, which first established in 1969 in The Grassmarket.

The Edinburgh-based business, named after its founder, has been run by her daughter, Ms Murray since 1997.

The business had originally located to Thistle Street in 1985, and expanded to occupy all four floors of its New Town premises.

Jane Davidson will close in December.

The decision, which is not believed to be linked to the cost-of-living crisis, comes just weeks after the boutique won the prestigious Drapers award for best customer experience this September.

In a letter to loyal customers, Ms Murray paid tribute to shoppers who had returned repeatedly to the business it was started by her mother Jane 53 years ago.

In the letter, she said: “I am writing to let you know about my decision to close Jane Davidson. My mum Jane opened the boutique in 1969, and over the decades it has become somewhat of an institution on the Edinburgh fashion scene, showcasing international fashion brands including Jimmy Choo, Roland Mouret and more recently, The Vampire’s Wife, Dries Van Noten and Isabel Marant.

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“The boutique has been a constant presence in my life and I have absolutely loved my time running the business. Our customers have been incredibly loyal and many of them have become dear friends to both me and my mum. That sense of community is the most enjoyable part of what we do and it is the thing I will miss the most when we close our doors for the final time.

“As difficult as this decision has been, I am looking forward to spending much more time with friends and family, especially my two daughters. I was always determined that if I did close the shop, we would go out on a high, and having been awarded Independent Retailer of the Year at the Scotland Re:Design Fashion Festival and recognised for exceptional customer service by Drapers recently, that is unquestionably the case.”

The store will close on December 14, with remaining stock sold off from December 1.