John Lewis

John Lewis is the anchor tenant of the St James Quarter shopping centre, it's my favourite department store in Edinburgh city centre, down to its' location, as well as being a large, modern department store with a good range of products in all categories, other than food, which is quite minimal.

It's over six floors, which extends past the mall, however, it does have multiple entrances on the mall level, do be warned that you won't be able to use the same lift for all floors, for some reason to get to the higher floors, you need to change lifts, or use the escalator, not a big deal, but this isn't well signposted, and it's easy to get lost.

I did like the look and feel of the store, the technology section was huge and had everything from phones to laptops and TVs, while also having an Apple section, the area overall was much nicer and more modern than other technology sections in other John Lewis stores, so a big plus.

The upper level has nice views of the Edinburgh Old Town.

Other facilities inside the store include a Cafe as well as a selection of men's and women's clothes, fragrances and accessories, there's even an Optician's.

A very big and very good department store to serve the Scottish capital.

Went today to buy Opium perfume for men, however when I approached the YSL stand there were not on display. One of the very kind female staff (from the other perfume stand) helped me to find it as she mentioned that they may have the stock in the locked (out of sight) drawers. The other female YSL assistant unlocked all drawers one by one until we found the item I needed and I happily purchased it. Excellent customer service! Thank you very much for all the attention and courtesy!

Great craft section and helpful staff! Cotton, wool, all weights and colors. Can't wait to get started in my project!

I wasn't looking for clothes. I was looking for a toilet. Which John Lewis had and it was very nice.

While wondering I found their cocoa bar where we had a delightful snack and indulged in free wifi. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a refuge from the mall crowds.

I usually want to roll my eyes at big box department stores like this, especially ones that carry such hefty price tags, but gosh help me: I like John Lewis.

This all happened when I decided that being an adult meant fancy sheets. I've been a tried and true, bargain basement Ikea gal since university. I chose my bedding on which package would get me a full set for under £10. But when I started having trouble sleeping, I decided it was high time to invest in proper sheets, duvet & pillows.

I'm not going to say how much I spent at John Lewis on these basics, because it still hurts a little to see that number is writing, but what I will say is: holy bedsheets batman! If all of adulthood was as great as 600 thread count sheets and double duvets, I would throw my Muppet collection out the window and buy a closet full of suits tomorrow. (No I wouldn't but it sounds good for the review.)

I bought a set of pillows, a double duvet and sheets + pillow cases here and i'm not looking back. It's like sleeping in a dang cloud.

So yes, this place carries a lot of hefty price tags, but for the big household essentials the quality is there and it's worth every penny.

I rarely go to John Lewis, not because I don't like it, more that is normally out of my price range. But when they have a sales its always good to pop in and nose around a bit, Im bound to find something for myself or for a gift. Really nice posh shop, feel like a fancy department store but which some things at reasonable prices, but they do have a fair amount of super expensive items.
I have seen but not eaten at the cafe they have on top of the restaurant, which has windows all around over looking the city really nice view.

John Lewis is an awesome department store that probably sells that thing you're looking for (albeit a bit more expensive).

However - the sales are pretty damn good as I've picked up some quality items. Some of the things I look for when on sale:
- bedding: duvets, sheets, pillow cases. Sometimes you need to dig around though.
- towels! So big and soft.
- smelly things: soaps, shampoos, candles
- neat gifts: you'll def find something for your grandma's best friend
- women's clothes: JL stock Whistles, Reiss, etc.
- shoes!! I got an two awesome pair of heels for +£20! (And they're were originally £85 each)
- Apple computers / iPhones / iPads etc: 3 year warranty!

Also if you join their reward scheme, they will mail you monthly vouchers for free coffee, cake and soup.

The staff are really friendly and helpful too!

Can I just live here? You know, 80's movie style, get locked in a department store and have lots of fun adventures, maybe outwit a security guard while riding a child's scooter around the lingerie department. Please!

So, quite obvious I'm a fan. I love the layout, the cleanliness, the selection the service, the toilets (always good to know where you can pee for free in a city). Where else can you get toys, cleaning products, clothing, large appliances, small electricals, flooring, whole kitchens (and everything you need to go in it), fitness equipment, curtains, light fixtures, door knobs, nik-naks, fabric, craft supplies...... All in one place! This puts all the american department stores I grew up with totally to shame. And not only is there great quantity of goods - but they are of a high quality too.

OK, can be pricey - but they do a price match so you're pretty safe. And if this store doesn't have what you need - you can go online and get click and collect from store (can also be to a waitrose which has free parking) or home delivery.

Definitely my go to store in Edinburgh. in fact, can't remember when I was in any other of the big departments stores (especially since Jenners was taken over). If, you need me, I'll be taking a nap in the furniture department....

John Lewis is definitely one of the St. James' Centre's saving graces. As a well-known national chain, you know that the quality's going to be good, even if you do have to pay for it. They have everything from laptops to designer mascara, and everything in between, so it's always a good place to start when you're on the hunt for something obscure.

I've only ever come across staff that are really helpful and polite here, and more than anything they know what they're talking about. When I went to buy my last ipod i felt like such an old woman, because at the ripe old age of 21 I didn't have a clue what all the different models were... when I'd bought my previous one the only choice had been between silver, pink, blue or black!

Nevertheless the guy who served me was very patient with me (!) and I ended up coming home with exactly what I'd known i was after, even if I hadn't known the name of it. What was also nice was that he didn't try to constantly get me to buy a bigger memory size, or the more expensive headphones - i know shop assistants have their up-selling targets but nothing annoys me more.

Why not 5 stars then? Any of their cafés/brasseries/coffee shops. If I'm going to queue for ten minutes just to buy a coffee, I'd like to think it's going to be a) hot and b) there'll be a tables to sit at which isn't filthy.

The moral of the story? Great for shopping, but if you're after refreshment of any sort then head for the nearest Starbucks, or the nearby Valvano and Crolla on Multrees Walk.

John Lewis is the St James Centre is a great department store, it may not have the style of Harvey Nichols or the history of Jenners, but it somehow manages to tick all the boxes.

It is a bright and airy building, so many department stores are stuffy and badly lit, so this makes a refreshing change. The staff are always incredibly helpful and I never feel like I'm being forced into a sale, it's more like receiving some advice from an older and wiser friend. My mum and I came here to shop for her wedding outfit and we made full use of the personal shopper service - for no extra charge you can sit in a comfy private changing room with sofas and newspapers, whilst the shopper runs around the store picking outfits for you. You can then try on the clothes at your leisure and the personal shopper lady will help you decide what works best. It really did take the stress out of shopping and made for an enjoyable mother and daughter afternoon out.

I am a big fan of John Lewis and will continue to be for years to come - it represents all that is good in shopping and customer service.