Is there a Dillards in London or the UK? (2024)

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Dillard’s is such an essential part of many malls in the American south that I grew up not realizing it wasn’t an option in every state or even around the world, so I totally get why you’re wondering, “Is there a Dillard’s in London or the UK?”

This department store, while slightly old fashioned nowadays, is where I got my dress for the 8th grade dance and let me tell you – it may not have been the most beautiful thing to ever grace the runway (in fact, it was a weird shade of turquoise with LOTS of sparkle), but it was on a discount and that’s why we love Dillard’s!

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Anyway, if you’re wondering…

“Is there a Dillard’s in the UK or England or London?”

The answer is no.

There isn’t a Dillard’s in the UK, however there are other department store options which I’ll discuss.

Before we get too deep into Dillard’s or why there isn’t a Dillard’s in the UK, there are a couple of things I need to share with you given that you’re either planning a trip to the UK or live there.

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. 

Secondly, I’ve got some resources below that are specifically aimed at helping travelers and expats adjust to their time in the UK.

Whether you’re a study abroad student in London looking for tips on studying abroad in London or a short-term traveler who just wants to know the difference between a pence and a pound, these resources are for you!

You’ll learn all about my experiences driving in the UK, as well as the best ways to move forward from culture shock when it all becomes a little less glam and a little more sad (that was supposed to rhyme, but I couldn’t think of a good word to rhyme with glam that had to do with culture shock, my bad).

Anyway, moving along to Dillard’s in the UK

History of Dillard’s

Dillard’s was founded in 1939 by William Dillard (hence the name), and over the years it has expanded across the US to over 20 states and almost 300 locations.

Dillard’s is more prevalent in certain states such as Florida and Texas, and you won’t find it in the Northeast or most of the Upper Midwest.

To this day, Dillard’s headquarters are in Little Rock, Arkansas, and its main stores are in suburban shopping malls.

Some of the last new stores opened were in 2008 in Florida (Floridians love a Dillard’s!) and one in Texas in 2010.

This can be attributed to the decline in suburban malls in general and the rise of online shopping.

Despite this, Dillard’s is still going strong and shoppers are delighting in its offerings including clothes for men, women, and children as well as shoes and homegoods.

Equivalent to Dillard’s in the UK

There aren’t any Dillard’s in the UK, but the closest thing to Dillard’s in the UK is probably a Matalan or Debenham’s, both described below.

Dillard’s also does international shipping, but I wouldn’t pay the price to have something shipped to the UK as it’s likely you can find a close enough item in the UK.

Debenham’s

Debenhams is a department store in the UK that I would say resembles a Dillard’s, but you can no longer go into an actual store and instead need to shop online.

It was purchased by BooHoo, but still sells clothes and shoes just like Dillard’s.

Coming to London Soon?

Hey! Since you’re here I’m assuming you’re intent on visiting this amazing city soon!

Getting the lowdown on the hottest spots in town can be time consuming so I took the liberty of picking out some great ones below. Hope you enjoy!

Open Top Bus London Tour: Double Decker buses are not only a way of transportation in London, but a definitive pastime of the city dwellers.

This tour lets you see London by night and experience a true right of passage that every Londoner must complete. A two for one YAY! 

Kew Gardens: If you want to explore some of the calmer areas of the city, I highly recommend exploring the botanicals at Kew Gardens.

London’s largest World Heritage site boasts acres of gardens in a royal glass palace because, yes, everything here gets the royal treatment. 

Afternoon Tea Cruise on River Thames: Oh so you’ve come to London looking for tea?

Lucky for you theres literally MILLIONS of options to choose from… it can actually get overwhelming. So I made it easy for you and found one of the best teas in town, complete with the best setting as well!

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

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