Shop till you drop then start shopping again

Essential Edinburgh, the company behind the city's business improvement district, is launching the "Shop & Drop" service to encourage visitors to make the most of the January sales.

The company's chief executive, Tom Campbell said: "January is always a busy time in Edinburgh's main shopping area and we want to make it even more enjoyable by helping visitors with their bags.

"Finding great buys in the sales is one thing, but carrying heavy and perhaps cumbersome bags can be a pain. By offering customers the chance to leave their purchases securely we can help them carry on enjoying our city centre."

Shop & Drop is being run from 4-30 January at 46a George Street, under Cheynes Hairdressers. It will be open from noon-6pm, Monday to Saturday, and stay open until 8pm on Thursdays.

Shoppers will be given a key to a secure box which requires a 5 deposit, to be reclaimed on their return.

The company will also provide information, including promotions and public transport as well as make bookings for people at bars and restaurants.