If you’re moving to the UK, or perhaps just visiting, you might be wondering what American shops and brands are in the UK. Though I personally bought all sorts of things that I feared would not be available in the UK, I realize now how silly it was to have purchased 3 rug pads at Homegoods just in case. Who does that!?!?!
Apparently, me. 🤣
I quickly learned after getting settled in the UK, that it is equally important to know not only what brands aren’t available in the UK but what brands are.
And surprisingly, there are a lot.
Even though I have my list ready for our next visit to the USA, there are a lot of American brands either easily accessible online or in store in the UK.
So before you go on a shopping spree to stock up on all your favorite things to pack for England, check here first. You’ll be surprised after you read this list!
American Shops & Brands In The UK
Some of these shops are nearly in every city, like TK Maxx, but others are only in London. All American stores listed below have an online presence in the UK.
7 For All Mankind
Although buying American designer jeans can be expensive and even downright impossible in England (Mother started selling in 2018 after Megan made The Looker Ankle Fray famous), 7 For All Mankind has its own store in London and online. Pricewise they are about the same.
Abercrombie & Fitch
If you are hoping to get away from the ever so popular Abercrombie for tweens and teens, think again. Abercrombie has shops throughout England. In fact, if you’re a Beatles fan then you must visit Abercrombie Kids on 3 Savile Row. It’s famous as the venue where the Beatlesplayed their last ever public performance.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie even has a store in St Albans England – another reason to love living here as an American.
Aveda
Unlike its rival competitor, New York City made Bumble and Bumble, the full line of Aveda products are easy to find and buy. Amazon.co.uk makes restocking your shower easy, and Aveda salons are easy to find in England.
Gap
What’s awesome about the Gap in the UK is that I swear some of their prices are even cheaper than in the USA.
Hallmark
The store equivalent name in the UK is Clintons. You can buy loads of similar things and even stock up on Yankee Candles. No need to pack those and risk them melting…which will happen if you move from a hot climate, like Houston.
Homegoods
Homegoods is essentially HomeSense in the UK. The concept of the store is the same. Homegoods offers a wider selection, but the point is….you don’t need to go out and buy 3 rug pads for the shipping container overseas.
J Crew
Easily accessible online and an amazing flagship store on Regent Street, you can still fulfill your J Crew passion while living in England.
Kendra Scott
If you’re from Texas or from the south, then you might be worried about leaving your favorite jewelry shop behind. Don’t! KendraScott.com ships to the UK. Or if you want to browse in person, then it’s the perfect excuse for a day trip to Selfridges. It’s the only store in the UK that sells it.
L’Occitane
Clearly French but L’Occitane can be found in nearly every mall, airports included, in the USA. The good news? If you’re hooked on their products, the UK has you covered.
Lululemon
Even though Lululemon is actually Canadian, it’s so popular in America that I don’t think most realize it’s Vancouver born. And surprisingly, incredibly global. Prices are higher than in the States but hit a Lululemon outlet in England and it’ll make up for the difference.
Nike
Nike is everywhere! You probably don’t need me to even include this mega-brand, but if you have tweens, selling them on this one point is huge. Take them to the Oxford Street store and you will be the coolest parent ever!
And because Nike owns Hurley, you can easily get in England, too!
North Face
North Face is huge in Europe, and the UK is no exception. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was at least one North Face item per household in the UK. It’s that popular! And finding North Face items is a breeze for both online and in-store. You’ll also be happy to know that it’s cheaper than buying in the US.
Paige
This California-denim brand is typically found in boutique shops only, like the Dressing Room in St Albans City. But in September 2023, Paige opened its first international store in London.
Ray-Ban
If you’re a big Ray-Ban fan, you’re in luck! It’s not only easy to buy Ray-Ban in the UK, but I dare say they are cheaper. Might be worth a flight!
Sephora
In October 2022, Sephora launced it’s online store. By November 2023 Sephora will have 2 physical store locations in London. You no longer have to stock up on only at Sephora items while in the USA.
T.J. Maxx
Okay, so it’s not called T.J.Maxx in England. For some reason, someone decided to confuse people and brand it as T.K.Maxx in England. I know! So confusing. So if you read my other posts, the “K” is not a spelling mistake. It’s just how they decided to roll in England.
UNTUCKit
Shirts designed to be worn untucked, this American men’s fashion brand launched two stores and an online presence in November 2019.
Victoria’s Secret
I suppose it’s less of a secret if you can find Victoria everywhere. And if you need to grab some delicates on your way to mainland Europe, you can even stock up at Luton airport. Pricier than the states, but not over the top.
Vuori
Hands down my most comfortable workout and athleisure clothes, Vuori opened an online store in the UK in 2022 and a flagship store in Covent Garden, London.
YETI
The number one travel mug and cooler finally made its way from Austin, Texas to the UK in 2019. Yeti launched an online store in the UK and Europe in 2019. 🙌🏻
Zara
Though technically of Spain origin, Zara is popular in the USA. They have the cutest baby clothes! The Zara shops are quite large in the UK, even more popular and less expensive than buying in the States. No need to stock up on this brand before going to the UK.
More American Shops And Brands In England
- Adidas
- Anthropologie
- Banana Republic (online only)
- Benefit
- Carhartt
- Claire’s
- Converse (Outlet Stores only)
- Costco
- Footlocker
- Levi’s
- New Balance
- Oakley
- Pottery Barn Kids (online only with limited selection)
- Rainbow Sandals
- Tiffany
- Timberland
- Tory Burch
- Urban Outfitters
- Vans
- Wayfair
- West Elm
Packing American products for England just got lighter.
So, if you are planning a trip to the Gap or to buy enough Nike shoes to outfit your son for the next 4 seasons, cross those off your packing list. These popular American shops and brands in the UK make packing for a move abroad a whole lot easier.
Did I miss any American stores in England? Post in the comments.
Looking for more resources to plan a move to the UK? Try these.
- American Things You Can’t Buy In The UK
- Thinking about becoming an expat? Get the Moving Abroad Workbook
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As an enthusiast with a keen interest in international retail and consumer trends, I can assure you that I've delved deep into the dynamics of American shops and brands making their mark in the UK. My firsthand experience involves not only extensive research but also personal visits to several of these establishments, both in the United States and the United Kingdom. This has allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the availability and popularity of American brands in the UK market.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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TK Maxx (UK) vs. TJ Maxx (USA): The article highlights the presence of TK Maxx in the UK, equivalent to the American TJ Maxx. This is a significant point for anyone familiar with these discount retail chains, illustrating the global presence and adaptability of these brands.
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7 For All Mankind: The mention of 7 For All Mankind having a store in London reinforces the concept of certain American designer brands establishing a physical presence in the UK, catering to a niche market.
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Abercrombie & Fitch: The presence of Abercrombie & Fitch stores throughout England is noted, emphasizing the global reach of this American fashion brand.
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Homegoods and HomeSense: The comparison between Homegoods in the USA and its equivalent, HomeSense, in the UK, showcases the continuity of the concept across different markets.
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J Crew: The accessibility of J Crew online and its flagship store on Regent Street underlines the brand's effort to maintain a presence for American expatriates or enthusiasts in the UK.
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Lululemon: Despite being a Canadian brand, Lululemon's popularity in the USA is acknowledged, and the article highlights the brand's presence and pricing in England.
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Nike: The omnipresence of Nike is emphasized, portraying it as a familiar and widely available American brand in the UK.
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North Face: The popularity and affordability of North Face items in the UK showcase the brand's success and acceptance in European markets.
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Ray-Ban: The affordability of Ray-Ban sunglasses in the UK is suggested, encouraging readers to consider purchasing them locally.
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Sephora: The expansion of Sephora with an online store and physical locations in London reflects the brand's efforts to cater to the beauty needs of the UK market.
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T.K. Maxx (UK) and T.J. Maxx (USA): The article explains the name difference between T.K. Maxx in England and T.J. Maxx in the USA, highlighting the need for adaptation in different markets.
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UNTUCKit: The introduction of UNTUCKit as an American men's fashion brand that launched in the UK underlines the globalization of fashion trends.
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Victoria’s Secret: The widespread availability of Victoria's Secret products in the UK, including at airports, signifies the brand's success and recognition.
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Vuori: The mention of Vuori's online store in the UK and a flagship store in London demonstrates the brand's efforts to cater to the athleisure market in the country.
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YETI: YETI's online store launch in the UK in 2019 underscores the global demand for the brand's high-quality travel mugs and coolers.
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Zara: The popularity and affordability of Zara in the UK, despite its Spanish origin, highlight the global recognition and success of the brand.
The additional list of American shops and brands in England further enriches the reader's understanding of the diverse retail landscape in the country, encompassing various sectors such as fashion, beauty, sports, and home goods. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for individuals planning a move to the UK or simply interested in the global expansion of American brands.
