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

Oooh, Kmart.

While it has a reputation of being a bit…run down, it’s still an American institution and an important part of any sketchy strip mall.

To be honest, I’m not quite sure why you’re wondering if there is a Kmart in the UK or London because I don’t know anyone who shops at one in America, but you know what, you do you, I’m just here to give you the answers you’re looking for.

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So…

“Is there a Kmart in the UK or England or London?”

Unfortunately there isn’t a Kmart in the UK or England, just like there’s no Target in the UK or Walmart in the UK.

However, there is a store that is similar to Kmart, known as ASDA. More on that later.

Before I dive too deep into Kmart in the UK, I wanted to share some articles I’ve put together for anyone thinking of traveling or moving to the UK or London.

From how to navigate the London Underground to how to tell pence and cents apart, I’ve provided some of my most interesting and important information that I’ve learned over the past 5 years of living here.

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. 

For those of you who are planning on moving to the UK more permanently, check out the culture shock article where I tell you how normal it is to want to move to back to America within like 6 months of moving here (and how normal it is to not want to move to America again – that’s the joy of culture shock).

You should also read about my experiences driving in England as an American, as basically I’m trying to protect you from yourselves.

If you’re just coming as a tourist, still check out the guide to the London Underground.

I take this to work each and every day, and while I hate it so much, I also love it – it’s a Londoner thing.

You should also check out the article on driving in the UK because I would highly advise AGAINST renting a car as an American in the UK.

Just, for the love of all that is good in the world, spare yourself and take trains. You’ll thank me later.

• Culture Shock: The Things We Don’t Talk About
• An American Girl’s Guide to Surviving the London Underground
• Understanding UK Money: Pence, Not Cents!
• Driving in England as an American: An Apology to UK Drivers

Anyway, on to talking about Kmart in the UK.

You may have heard in recent news that the parent company of Kmart has had to declare its second bankruptcy, which is not good news for the brand in the US, though Kmart spokespeople are insistent that Kmart will stay put.

Kmart first opened with that name in 1962 and reached its peak in 2000, so it has had a long run of growth and become synonymous with “big box stores” in the US.

But for some reason, maybe because of the harsh lighting or the fact that there is always junk all over the place when I visit, it has been declining since 2010.

The second bankruptcy means that more stores are closing down and more employees are being let go, and while with some other stores I do hold out hope that they will eventually come to the UK (seriously, Target, WHERE ARE YOU?) – I have basically no hope or desire for Kmart to ever come to the UK.

I am sorry.

I just don’t.

HOWEVER.

Should you be wanting a big box store where you can buy everything from saran wrap (called cling film here, get with the program) to underwear to Christmas decorations, there is a place you can do that.

Alternatives to Kmart in the UK and London

So where can you find the closest thing to Kmart in the UK and London?

Asda

Asda is owned by the parent company of Walmart and is the closest thing that the UK has to a big box store like Walmart or Kmart.

So close, in fact, that if you close your eyes in a really big Asda, it can feel just like you’re in America with all of the stuff at your fingertips.

The UK doesn’t always excel in the “big box” format, meaning that many of their stores are specialized. You go to the farmer’s market for this, the clothing store for that, the hardware store for tools, etc.

As you may know, fellow Americans, we tend to prefer the “one stop shop” kind of stores, and Asda is definitely that.

There aren’t any in central London, as they tend to be larger stores spread out in the suburbs, but you can absolutely find them across the UK and everyone will know what you’re talking about if you ask where one is.

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 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!

• Is there a Costco in London or the UK?
• Is there a Target in London or the UK?
• Is there a Shoe Carnival in London or the UK?
• Is there a Duane Reade in London or the UK?
• Is there a Books-a-Million in London or the UK?
• Is there a Giant in London or the UK?
• Is there a Justice store in London or in the UK?
• Is there a PacSun in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Barnes and Noble in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Pottery Barn in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chase Bank in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Banana Republic in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Arby’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Children’s Place in London or in the UK?
• Is there a 7 Eleven in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Hot Topic in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Applebee’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Disney World in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Bath and Body Works in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Bank of America in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Panda Express in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Boston Market in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Sam’s Club in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Wawa in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Trader Joe’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Safeway in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Sears in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Wegman’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a TJMaxx in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Kroger in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Little Ceasars in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Dick’s Sporting Good in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Panera Bread in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Cheesecake Factory in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Johnny Rocket’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Wells Fargo in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chuck E Cheese in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Sonic in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Waffle House in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Red Lobster in London or in the UK?
• Is there an IHOP in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chili’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Goodwill in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Popeyes in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Old Navy in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Dillards in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Walgreens in London or in the UK?
• Is there a CVS in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Ulta in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Best Buy in London or in the UK?
• Is there a JCPenney in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Publix in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Marshalls in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Nordstrom in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Lowes in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Bed Bath and Beyond in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Taco Bell in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Dairy Queen in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Steak n Shake in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Hobby Lobby in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Sephora in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Macys in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Ross in London or in the UK?
• Is there an American Eagle in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Petsmart in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Michaels in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Olive Garden in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chick Fil A in London or in the UK?
• Is there an Outback Steakhouse in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Chipotle in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Kohls in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Starbucks in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Home Depot in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Wendy’s in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Walmart in London or in the UK?
• Is there a Dollar Store in London or in the UK?
• Is there an In-N-Out Burger in London or in the UK?