Is Walmart In The Uk Or London? (Yes, But Not What You Think)

Walmart, the mega-retailer is located in over 11,000 stores all across the globe. This company employs many millions and provides services to hundreds of millions daily.

It may seem natural then that UK shoppers could just go into their local Walmart and grab whatever they want.

Actually, if you’re wondering if Walmart in is the UK or London, you might be surprised by the answer. You can see what I did!

Walmart Is There In The UK And London in 2022

Walmart is in the UK as an equity investment holder in the grocery chain Asda. Asda’s original acquisition by Walmart was in 1999. It retained its name and marks Walmart’s entry into UK Market. Walmart was retained as an equity investor and a board member when the majority-stake purchase of Asda by the Issa Brothers took place in 2021.

You can find out more about Asda and the UK’s Walmart entry, as well as why Asda isn’t Walmart.

What is the Difference Between ASDA and Walmart?

Quora user Quora posted a very reasonable explanation about why Asda stores were not converted to Walmart stores back 1999.

This was, in his view, a clever move by Walmart to prevent UK shoppers from being alienated by its American-inspired retail strategy (which Walmart represents).

Walmart might instead quietly make a profit of the Asda brand trust and loyalty UK shoppers have shown since the beginning of the 20th Century.

It doesn’t surprise me that I become upset whenever my grocery store layout changes.

The disruption caused by a total rebranding and the complete destruction of the layout of Asda’s stores would have been very disruptive.

It’s only the beginning of the emotional pain.

Practically speaking, imagine how expensive that would have been for Walmart! Asda does, after all, have hundreds of locations throughout the UK.

How are Asda and Walmart similar?

As I said, Walmart acquired Asda because there are enough similarities between them.

Business Insider was visited by some entrepreneurial writers to compare the experiences at an Asda store and Walmart.

You will find produce shelves near the entrance of both a Walmart or Asda store.

Shops selling meat/butchers, seafood or bakeries can be divided up and placed either near the front, at the sides or alongside the aisles.

Asda also has a strong selection of ready-made meals, the kinds of things you can pop in the microwave or oven.

Walmart appeals to American shoppers who value convenience. There is usually an island cooler nearby the deli where you can heat and eat food in plastic containers.

What I found particularly hilarious was the fact that Business Insider’s writers claimed that UK supermarkets have begun to prepare for their holidays, exactly like America.

Their final takeaway was that while the layouts and varieties of foods were much alike, Asda is more of a grocery store, and Walmart is more of an “everything” store.

Walmart Acquired ASDA

Walmart remains technically in the UK thanks to their minor stake in Asda. But the Issa brothers are billionaires and the owners of the EG Group.

Walmart, which still holds a minority stake, will continue to have an influence on Asda’s board. The company also plans to continue its “ongoing relationship commercial”

Walmart’s plans to expand into new countries can be found in our post on whether Walmart operates in Japan and India.

Conclusion

Walmart’s UK presence and London market share has decreased since Asda boughtout by Issa brothers.

Walmart, however, did for 20 years operate Asda’s supermarket chain in London as part their international holdings.

Walmart is likely to focus on Asian markets now that Asda has been sold.

.Is Walmart In The Uk Or London? (Yes, But Not What You Think)