Simple answer, yes, Walmart operates in the UK. They operate through the brand ‘ASDA’ in the UK. It is very popular there, being the second-largest retailer chain right now. ‘ASDA’ started as a brand in the United Kingdom way back in the 1920s. 

What is ASDA?

This stands for ‘Asda stores’ or ‘Associated Diaries’. In the 1990s, ASDA was not doing well, it was near bankruptcy. In 1999, Walmart acquired ASDA and the merger benefitted both brands mutually. It marked the beginning of Walmart’s entry into the UK market. 

This is also the reason that Walmart operates through ASDA, and not by its brand name. ASDA was well known in the UK, and Walmart wanted to keep that familiarity that connects the consumers with the brand.

Changing a brand’s name is difficult, and customers often find it uncomfortable. Walmart preferred to avoid this and profited off of the trust and loyalty that ASDA’s customers had. So in the UK, ASDA is the most comparable brand to Walmart. They have some distinct qualities that separate them from their parent brand, Walmart. 

Similarities And Differences Between Walmart and ASDA

Differences 

Walmart’s popular slogan is ‘Save money, live better. ’ ASDA uses a slightly varied version of this slogan, ‘Saving your money every day.  ASDA’s colors are green and white. Walmart’s signature colors are yellow and blue. One stark difference in their products. As they are located in two very different countries, the products they stock are tailored toward that country’s market. If you are an American, don’t expect to walk into ASDA and find yourself in Walmart. The products will most likely be unfamiliar to you. The products are called by different names. Basic cultural differences make these stores very different from each other.  

Similarities 

A similarity between Walmart and ASDA is that they have a wide variety of products, stocking everything a customer could want when they go grocery shopping.  Both stores are divided into proper sections, starting from a produce section in the front of the store. Meat, seafood, and bakery sections are located either on the sides or in the back.  They have a host of ready-made meals available for the convenience of customers.  Both retailers start preparing ahead of time for big holidays, so the holiday season is a fun time to visit these stores. They will have decorations, discounts, offers, and all the usual delight that comes with the holiday season.  

More About ASDA

Walmart has a significant share in ASDA, and they do have some stake in decision-making with a seat on the board. However, the Issa Brothers of EG Group and TDR Capital acquired ASDA in February of 2021, and this has considerably lessened Walmart’s influence in the UK. Right now, Walmart has an equity investment in ASDA, which keeps their commercial relationship going. 

Changing the format and operations of their store will not work well in the British market, so ASDA will remain decidedly British. The US and the UK are culturally different, and customers want different things in both countries.

 Keeping this in mind, there cannot be a Walmart in the United Kingdom. ASDA is a different brand in the manner it operates, and Walmart is an entirely different chain of stores. ASDA is more of a grocery store than Walmart, which would come under the category of an all-in-one store. Their employees behave differently, are trained differently, and customers expect different things. 

ASDA offers a variety of services and has some subsidiaries:

ASDA Supercentres, ASDA Superstores, ASDA Supermarket, ASDA Living, ASDA Essentials, ASDA Petrol, ASDA Smart Price, ASDA Mobile, and ASDA Money.

 It operates in approximately six hundred locations as of 2021. Its headquarters are in Leeds, the United Kingdom. 

Conclusion 

Walmart is a big brand in the US, and Americans who are used to it will not want to leave it behind when they come to the UK. Considering everything regarding Walmart and ASDA, a simple conclusion would be to say that Walmart does not operate in the United Kingdom. ASDA is ASDA, and Walmart is Walmart.

Technicalities and slight variations can explain the rest. However, Walmart does not want to let go of their seat on ASDA’s board, which is a sign that they still want something to do with the company. Depending on the consumer’s preferences, this will be either a good or bad thing for them.