Is there an American Eagle in London or the UK? (2024)

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Hi, clothes shoppers!

You’ve probably found this article by looking up something like, “Is there an American Eagle in the UK? or “Is there an American Eagle in London?.”

I’ve written loads of resources on things like if there is a Walmart in the UK, if there’s a Home Depot in the UK, and if little Rover can expect a Petsmart in the UK.

And while I, like many Americans, love the American Eagle brand and always find that their clothes fit me pretty well, I have some news for you…

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The answer to the question,

“Is there an American Eagle in London or the UK?”

is no! But I’ll explain more below.

Before we delve into American Eagle’s history in the UK (it DOES have a history), I want to share some tips I’ve written all about visiting London and the UK.

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. 

Whether you’re a short term visitor, a study abroad student, or an American expat coming to stay indefinitely, you’ll want to check these out so you start your time in the UK off on the right foot (and if nothing else, looking the correct way before you cross the road…)

Okay, so, if you’re hoping to find your favorite American Eagle clothing items in the UK or an American Eagle store in London, you’re a bit out of luck.

Well, you’re a lot out of luck, because there aren’t any.

That being said, American Eagle did try to make it in the UK.

In 2014, American Eagle make its debut in the UK with three stores: Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, and one at Westfield Stratford and Westfield Shepherds Bush (both in London).

At the time, the idea was a good one and there were plans to expand to 20-30 stores across the UK.

American Eagle is one of the largest shopping retailers in the US, and they have around 950 stores across the states.

Other US brands had crossed the pond before them, including Hollister and Forever 21.

However, American Eagle didn’t quite take off like other US brands had, and in 2017, all three stores were closed down.

This leaves the UK currently American Eagle-less, with no sign of them coming back to the UK anytime soon.

However, you can order from American Eagle online and pay fees to have items shipped to the UK.

Why you would want to do that is beyond me as you can find plenty of clothing shops in the UK, but if you are a true American Eagle addict, that option is available too.

If you’re looking for discount clothing stores in the UK, you should know that there’s no Ross Dress for Less in London or the UK, but there IS a TJMaxx equivalent called TKMaxx!

Speaking of other stores available to you, I’ve put together a list of other US stores that you may or may not find in the UK, along with some substitutions if you can’t find them there.

Especially if you rely on a particular store for a product, it’s important to do your research and realize that you might not be able to buy your exact brand of underwear/hair gel/avocados over here if that’s important to you!

Fast Food

The UK has…

-Dominoes
-McDonalds
-Burger King
-Pizza HUt

The UK doesn’t have…

-Arbys
-Chick-Fil-A
-White Castle

Sit-down restaurants

The UK has…

-TGI Fridays
-Chipotle

The UK doesn’t have…

-Tijuana Flats
-Carrabas
-Outback Steakhouse

Big Stores

The UK has…

-Costco, though people say it isn’t as good of a value and not quite the same
-Walmart-owned ASDA, which isn’t exactly the same as a Walmart but pretty close

The UK doesn’t have…

-Macys
-Nordstrom

The grocery store names are also different, with no overlap between the US and the UK.

You won’t find Publix (for Floridians), Giant (for you mid-Atlanticers!), Kroger (looking at you, southern states!) or any other popular grocery store in your area.

You also won’t find Walgreens or CVS, but instead a different brand name for drugstores including Superdrug and Boots.

And when you need a store with lots of “stuff,” you can go to “Argos,” where you essentially order things from a catalog and then they are brought to you.

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

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 there’s 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!

5 thoughts on “Is there an American Eagle in London or the UK? (2024)”

  1. Be careful with American Eagle Online!! They ship with FedEx. You will have to pay import fees! (Speaking from experience). The fees aren’t too steep, but the extra £12 handling fee is!

    I had a $50 order that cost an additional £16.25 in fees!

  2. Hi,

    American Eagle is back in Europe, they have a decidicated online for european customers, and there are stores popping up in Spain and Hungary :).

  3. So there’s (potentially) good news! American Eagle are due to open up two stores in London.

    https://www.theindustry.fashion/american-eagle-and-sub-brand-aerie-set-to-open-in-carnaby/

    That said, the article says the AE store was due to open in December, I passed it just before Christmas (it’s on Foubert Place, just off Carnaby Street) and it was still closed, albeit with an American Eagle “staff wanted” sign. I haven’t been back to see if it has opened, fingers crossed!

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