Is there a Walmart in the UK or London? (2024) - girl gone london (2024)

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Hi, Walmart loving friends!

Most likely, you’re here because you looked up, “Is there a Walmart in London” or “Is there a Walmart in the UK” (London is basically what every American thinks of when they think of the UK, let’s face it.)

Maybe you dream of getting this People of Walmart coloring book (what?) for Christmas.

OR maybe you’re like, hey, I want the actual picture book filled with people who shop at Walmart.

For those of you interested in the business of Walmart, I recommend checking out this book that gets deep in to how the business works, and why it has been so successful.

And I totally get it. Walmart is a staple of American society and an essential part of what it means to live in the U S of A.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group, where I can answer more of your questions!

So…

“Is there a Walmart in the UK?”

And the answer is, yes – but it’s called ASDA!

I’ll explain more in a minute, but if you’re coming to the UK (whether as a visitor or to stay), you’ll want to check out these related posts.

Firstly, no matter your reason for being here, you need the best book on living in the UK for Americans ever written – the book is called “Girl Gone London: An American’s Guide to Surviving Life in the UK” and you should click here and check it out.

I also may have written it, so I’m biased.

But truly, if you’re coming to the UK as an expat, a study abroad student, or even a visitor, my guide to life in the UK contains both personal anecdotes and maybe too-honest experiences, as well as resources and advice on topics ranging from homesickness in the UK (or how not to rage book a flight to America like I did), driving in the UK, being a student in the UK, and more practical advice about bank accounts, buying houses, and more.

It’s truly a one stop shop for all of the weirdness and wonderfulness (is that a word?) that comes along with life in the UK, and also there is plenty of opportunity to laugh at me as I share all of my expat fails so there’s that.

• Culture Shock: The Things We Don’t Talk About
• An American Girl’s Guide to Surviving the London Underground
• Understanding UK Money: Pence, Not Cents!
• Driving in England as an American: An Apology to UK Drivers

Anyway, if you’re used to heading to Walmart for your groceries, clothing, cleaning items, toys, and basically anything else you need, you won’t be able to actually step foot in a store just called “Walmart” in London or in the UK.

There’s no Target in England or Ross Dress for Less in the UK either, I’m afraid!

You can also say goodbye to that bright blue sky, but that’s another story all together!

So then why do I say that you still can go to a Walmart in the UK?

Well, Walmart owns a chain of stores in the UK called ASDA.

ASDA is Britain’s second largest supermarket, and while it started as its own brand back in 1965, the International Walmart Corporation acquired it in 1999.

So it’s the closest thing you’re going to get to Walmart without actually visiting one!

ASDA has different branding and colors, along with a separate slogan from Walmart.

So instead of, “Save money, live better,” they say “Saving you money every day.”

The colors are also green and white, giving ASDA a distinctive feel from its North American owner.

When you step instead an ASDA, however, you’re met with a similar feel and layout to Walmart.

Rows and rows (and rows and rows and rows) of everything under the sun, from makeup to flowers to toothpaste to diapers to cereal to car oil.

That being said, as an American, I don’t feel like ASDA is exactly comparable to Walmart.

There’s something about it that lacks that true Walmart feel.

Maybe it’s the smell.

Maybe it’s the lack of the smiling face logo and “Rollback” signs.

Whatever it is, it is a replacement, but not an exact fill-in!

And when you go to the food section, Lord help you if you aren’t used to what British food items are called!

For instance, did you know that squash is a drink AND a fruit?

Or that an eggplant is called an aubergine?

For the uninitiated, Iwrote a guide on British supermarkets for Americans to help you navigate your way!

And whether you’re coming to London or the UK for a short or long time, here’s a list of some other differences that you might find helpful.

Fast Food

The UK has…

-Pizza Hut
-Burger King
-KFC
-Subway
-Dunkin Donuts

The UK doesn’t have…

–Arbys
–Chick-Fil-A
-Wendys, but you can find more about Wendy’s in the UK here

Sit-down restaurants

The UK has…

-Five Guy’s
-TGI Friday’s
-Chipotle (but it’s more expensive!)

The UK doesn’t have…

-Carrabba’s
-Outback Steakhouse
-Tijuana Flats

Big Stores

The UK has…

-Its own version of Costco (but only a few locations across the country)
-QVC shopping channel (I even worked here for a little while as an intern)

The UK doesn’t have…

-Home Depot or Lowes (instead it has Halfords or B&Q)
-Bed, Bath, and Beyond

Also, none of the same grocery store chains are here in the UK, and they have ones called “Sainbury’s,” “Morrisons,” “Waitrose” and “Tesco.”

There are also no CVS or Walgreens or Rite Aids.

The most popular pharmacy here is Boots, and other convenience stores include Superdrug.

Read more in my full guide comparing UK and US stores and restaurants.

Want to know more about US stores in the UK? Check this list out!

• Is there a Costco in London or the UK?
• Is there a Target in London or the UK?
• Is there a Shoe Carnival in London or the UK?
• Is there a Duane Reade in London or the UK?
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• Is there a Pottery Barn in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chase Bank in London or in the UK?
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• Is there an Arby’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Children’s Place in London or in the UK?
• Is there a 7 Eleven in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Hot Topic in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Applebee’s in London or in the UK?
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• Is there a Bath and Body Works in London or in the UK?
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• Is there a Kroger in London or in the UK?
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• Is there a Dick’s Sporting Good in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Panera Bread in London or in the UK?
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• Is there a Walgreens in London or in the UK?
• Is there a CVS in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Ulta in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Best Buy in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Kmart in London or in the UK?
• Is there a JCPenney in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Publix in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Marshalls in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Nordstrom in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Lowes in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Bed Bath and Beyond in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Taco Bell in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Dairy Queen in London or in the UK?
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• Is there an American Eagle in London or in the UK?
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• Is there an Olive Garden in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chick Fil A in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Outback Steakhouse in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chipotle in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Kohls in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Starbucks in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Home Depot in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Wendy’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Dollar Store in London or in the UK?
• Is there an In-N-Out Burger in London or in the UK?

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