Shopping

Shopping in the UK can be a dream, if you’re able to get to the larger towns to do it, but don’t be surprised when you have to bag your own goods. If you’re in the more rural areas, there is probably a good local bus service to the nearest shopping centres. Until you’re comfortable making these journeys, there’s always online shopping too.

It is an adventure the first few weeks of grocery shopping, the products are a bit of a mystery and it’s hard to know what are the best, but hang in there, you’ll get the hang of it. Have a look at the cooking equivalents to get you started. You can shop for groceries online if you live in some regions, and have them delivered to your door, from Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Iceland. Check their websites for details.

Argos is one my favorite department stores (though it is more like catalog shopping), which are retail outlets that warehouse their products in the back of the store, you can take a free catalog, enter the product number in the store computer stations in the store lobby, online, or on the phone, it will tell you if they have it in stock for immediate purchase. You can also reserve the item(s) by internet or phone, or have them delivered. They are similar to Wal-Mart in price, with the full range in housewares, and always have great sales, and FYI, there is an chain called ASDA who was bought by Wal-Mart a few years back. There are a couple of ASDA-Walmart superstores too. There are many more great department stores as listed in the links on this page. There are also some Costco warehouses in the UK, though you cannot order from their website. There is probably also a Woolworths near you.

I’ve found the UK by and large very fashion conscious and trendy. Americans on the other hand have a reputation for being bad dressers.

There are a lot of different and fun places to get clothing, especially in major shopping areas, most with websites too, see links.

Health and Beauty products are available from most pharmacies (chemists). The biggest chain is Boots. If there are particular products that you use, you can search their site to find out if you can get it here. While Boots is the biggest pharmacy chain, there are other small chemists as well. These shops carry the biggest names in cosmetics and other beauty products, and you will be pleased to find most of your favorites here. Though if you’re a fan of Secret deodorant, you’ll need to import from the US, as it’s not available in the UK anymore.

There are quite a few electronics superstores around the UK, some carry American style refridgerators as well. Many of these stores have computing departments, but there are also a few stores which specialize. Before buying your appliances, shop around for the best prices.

Antiques and unique items can be had at many many shops and auctions. (Tip: try local charity shops, as people often don’t realize/care what they are donating, you can find old paintings, china, and other collectibles.)