Where I shop in London: The Hits and Misses
Hello! I’m Audrey, a Master’s graduate of City St George’s. I have lived in London for almost 2 years, long enough to get used to everything in this city. However, before moving to London, I was concerned about whether I could buy certain items here, how much they would cost, or whether I should prepare and bring them from home. I guess several of you are also considering this. If so, then this blog is for you. Here, I'll list some of the shops I frequent, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
🍱 Groceries and food
- Aldi:
✅ One of the two cheapest supermarket chains in London.
✅ Wide range of products from fresh food, frozen food, dry food, household products...
❌ No loyalty points system
- Tesco:
✅ Great prices
✅ Lots of Tesco Express across London
✅ Membership card to earn points and get discounts
❌ Limited selection at Tesco Express; many products are only found at Tesco Supermarkets
- Sainsbury’s:
✅ Better prices with Nectar
✅ There’s a Sainsbury’s Superstore close to Clerkenwell campus
❌ Limited selection at Sainsbury’s Local
❌ Higher average price
____________________
💄Beauty, cosmetics, medicines
- Boots:
✅ Wide range of products
✅ Great discounts and vouchers
✅ Many stores across London
❌ Higher prices in stores near tube stations and the city centre
- Sephora:
✅ Many major and high-end brands with samples for you to try
❌ Few deals and discounts
❌ Few stores across London
- LOOKFANTASTIC:
✅ Good prices
✅ Fast delivery, mostly next-day delivery
❌ Only online shopping is available, so it will be a disadvantage if you want to try the product.
____________________
🛋️ Home and furniture
- B&M
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Good quality
❌ Only basic products, no options for large furniture like sofas, beds, wardrobes...
❌ Few shops across London
❌ No online shopping
- IKEA
✅ Full range of options from living room, bedroom, office, bathroom to garden.
✅ Clever designs, easy to assemble and disassemble when needed
❌ Higher prices
In conclusion, each has its pros and cons, but when combined, they create a comprehensive shopping routine that makes life in London convenient and enjoyable.
If you have a particular product that you are interested in and don’t know where to buy it in London, let me know! I’m here to help.
🍱 Groceries and food
- Aldi:
✅ One of the two cheapest supermarket chains in London.
✅ Wide range of products from fresh food, frozen food, dry food, household products...
❌ No loyalty points system
- Tesco:
✅ Great prices
✅ Lots of Tesco Express across London
✅ Membership card to earn points and get discounts
❌ Limited selection at Tesco Express; many products are only found at Tesco Supermarkets
- Sainsbury’s:
✅ Better prices with Nectar
✅ There’s a Sainsbury’s Superstore close to Clerkenwell campus
❌ Limited selection at Sainsbury’s Local
❌ Higher average price
____________________
💄Beauty, cosmetics, medicines
- Boots:
✅ Wide range of products
✅ Great discounts and vouchers
✅ Many stores across London
❌ Higher prices in stores near tube stations and the city centre
- Sephora:
✅ Many major and high-end brands with samples for you to try
❌ Few deals and discounts
❌ Few stores across London
- LOOKFANTASTIC:
✅ Good prices
✅ Fast delivery, mostly next-day delivery
❌ Only online shopping is available, so it will be a disadvantage if you want to try the product.
____________________
🛋️ Home and furniture
- B&M
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Good quality
❌ Only basic products, no options for large furniture like sofas, beds, wardrobes...
❌ Few shops across London
❌ No online shopping
- IKEA
✅ Full range of options from living room, bedroom, office, bathroom to garden.
✅ Clever designs, easy to assemble and disassemble when needed
❌ Higher prices
In conclusion, each has its pros and cons, but when combined, they create a comprehensive shopping routine that makes life in London convenient and enjoyable.
If you have a particular product that you are interested in and don’t know where to buy it in London, let me know! I’m here to help.
(edited 11 months ago)
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