A female shopkeeper was confronted by two masked robbers who threatened her with a machete and demanded money.
Though terrified, the woman kept calm and pressed the panic alarm.
The raiders tried to rip the till off the counter before fleeing empty-handed.
The attempted raid happened at Fartown Junction News newsagents in Spaines Road, Fartown, on Friday at 9.50pm.
The two men wearing balaclavas burst in and pulled out the foot-long machete.
Brandishing the weapon the raiders demanded cash.
When the woman refused to give them any money the raiders tried to snatch the till in a last desperate bid before making off.
Mahmood Khalid told how his daughter, who he declined to name, was confronted behind the counter. His wife was also in the shop.
He said: “They came into the shop, they had balaclavas on.
“One of them stayed near to the door and one came towards the till.
“My daughter was at the till and he shouted: ‘Give me the money’ and produced the machete.
“My daughter said: ‘I’m not giving you any money’ and pressed the panic button which raised the alarm and they fled.”
Mr Khalid said his daughter was shaken but otherwise unhurt.
Det Insp Jim Griffiths, of Kirklees CID, confirmed what happened and said: “Two female workers were in the shop when two men wearing balaclavas entered carrying a black handled knife.
“They told the woman behind the counter to open the till and failed.
“They then attempted to disconnect the till and take it and again failed and fled.”
He added: “This appears to be an unsophisticated attack. We are exploring all avenues.”
Det Insp Griffiths said officers were now reviewing CCTV images from the shop and nearby premises.
The raiders fled towards the Seat garage in Bradford Road.
Anyone with information should contact Huddersfield CID on 101.
