Eager Edinburgh Princes Street UNIQLO shoppers queue up from 4am for grand opening

Keen shoppers have joined a huge city centre queue as the highly anticipated UNIQLO store opens its doors on Thursday.

The Japanese fashion brand is popular across Europe and Edinburgh marks the first Scottish store - after months of anticipation.

Doors opened at 9am on April 25 but scores of shoppers have been queueing up since the early hours of the morning as the line snaked down Princes Street around Hanover Street

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A group of friends waiting at the front of the line told Edinburgh Live how they started queuing at 4am to make sure they were one of the first ones in the store.

They said: "It wasn't scary in the dark, and it got light quickly. We have never shopped at UNIQLO before."

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, shoppers Oliva and Tuesday said they were excited about getting their hands on the popular cross body bags and the tops with the built-in bras.

At 9am the shop opened with a celebratory ribbon cutting and the first 100 customers through the door will receive a goody bag.

UNIQLO app customers will also be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw.

UNIQLO made sure their waiting customers were kept warm with matcha tea being served in branded cups. Those heading into the store will be able to rest their feet from shopping in their tea room that looks out onto Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens.

Located next to the cafe is the RE.UNIQLO Studio where customers can recycle, repair or remake their favourite UNIQLO items so they can keep wearing and loving them for longer.

A collaboration that may not be expected is with none other than Irn-Bru. Shoppers will be able to snap up - only exclusive to this store- bags embroidered with cans and bottles of the recognisable Scottish beverage.

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K said: "We are delighted to bring UNIQLO to the thriving city of Edinburgh. Our brand is dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality clothing that caters to the needs and preferences of diverse lifestyles. With our presence in Edinburgh, we aim to become an integral part of the local community, offering a unique shopping experience that blends style, comfort and affordability."