Discovering where to shop for essentials and specialities can be a key part of settling into life in the UK. Here’s a guide to help you find what you need.

Groceries

• Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA: Major supermarkets offering a wide range of products.
• Aldi, Lidl: Discount supermarkets for budget-friendly shopping.
• Waitrose: Higher-end supermarket with a focus on quality produce.
• Ethnic Supermarkets: For specific international ingredients, look for local ethnic stores or visit areas known for diverse cultures, like London’s Brixton Market.

Electronics

• Currys PC World: The leading retailer for household electronics and appliances.
• Argos: Offers a variety of electronics and appliances with a unique catalogue ordering system.

Books

• Waterstones: The UK’s largest bookseller with stores nationwide.
• WHSmith: Sells books, stationery, and more, often found in high streets and train stations.

Furniture and Home Supplies

• IKEA: Well-known for flat-pack furniture and home accessories.
• John Lewis & Partners: Offers a range of quality home goods and furniture.
• Home Bargains, B&M: For discounted house supplies and furnishings.

Hardware and Home Improvement

• B&Q, Homebase: Large DIY stores for hardware, garden supplies, and home improvement products.

Car and Motorcycle Parts

• Halfords: For a wide range of car and motorcycle parts and accessories.

Pet Stores

• Pets at Home: The UK’s largest pet supplies retailer.

Shopping Malls

• Westfield: Has large shopping centres in London and other locations offering a variety of shops.

Art Supplies

• Hobbycraft: The largest arts and crafts retailer in the UK.

Health and Beauty

• Boots, Superdrug: High street chains for health and beauty products, pharmacy needs, and more.
• Holland & Barrett: For health foods, vitamins, and natural beauty products.

Specialized Food Items

• Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic: For organic and health-conscious products.
• Local Butchers and Fishmongers: For fresh meat and seafood; often better quality than supermarkets.

Clothing and Fashion

• High Street Shops (Zara, H&M, Next, Topshop): Fashionable and affordable clothing.
• Department Stores (Debenhams, House of Fraser): Offer a range of brands under one roof.

Sports and Outdoor Gear

• Decathlon: Offers a wide range of sports equipment and clothing.
• Go Outdoors, Cotswold Outdoor: For camping gear and outdoor clothing.

For more specific or hard-to-find items, local markets and independent stores are often the best bet. Online marketplaces like eBay UK and Gumtree can also be useful for both new and used goods. Remember to compare prices and check reviews where possible to ensure you’re getting the best deal and quality.