Retail therapy in the USA: don't miss these stores during your Stateside trip

A trip to the USA usually results in at least a tiny bit of shopping. And while it is becoming more and more common to see the same retail chains everywhere, there are still a few shops in the USA that cannot be found in the United Kingdom or Europe.

Most travellers from Europe and the UK need to have an ESTA to travel to the USA. The ESTA is a much easier option for those who don’t want to make a trip to an embassy and want to travel rather soon. 

Here are a few shops that can be found in many destinations all over the US, usually more than one location. These are a nice alternative to the kinds of shops that can be found on the other side of the pond.  

Target

Most American expats living abroad will sigh at the mere mention of this goliath retail chain. There are memes dedicated to the healing qualities one feels when they set foot inside a Target.

Most stores are approximately 12,500 square metres, a visit to target is almost an event itself. In most cases, there is a Starbucks at the entrance of every Target, and most carts even come with a cupholder, so you can leisurely drink your coffee while you peruse the isles.

One of the charms of shopping at Target, is the overwhelming sensation that you can literally buy everything you need in one location, combined with the attention to local detail. Each store has a unique layout, or even sells clothing and items based on the location it is in.

Target also usually has designer collaborations and their premiers boast an almost a cult like following, with customers lining up outside, awaiting home items, clothing, and even baby goods for affordable prices. Some of the designers have included Missoni, Anna Sui, and Rodarte. 

Old Navy

Old Navy is a part of the Gap retail chain family, and started off as the more affordable sister chain. The company went through a rough patch for a few years, and in 2012, they hired an executive from H&M to help improve the brands image.

Since then, Old Navy is back and sells great quality items for men, women and children for reasonable prices. While the prices are a bit higher than they were when they started out, it is still a great spot to buy basics that will last you a quite a while.

Most savvy shoppers knew that you could get a classic jean jacket for a smaller price than at the more popular Gap. And their “Pixie Pant” has something of a cult following.

Many women swear by the stretchy work pant that comes in tons of bright colours and prints, including gingham and florals. They have also focused quite a bit on “athleisure” fashion and are famed for their high-quality leggings.

Bed Bath and Beyond

Although it is not common to go to a home store while on holiday, Bed Bath and Beyond is a concept that many people in the states take for granted, but is quite unique for anyone from Europe or the UK.

The focus is mainly on bath and bedding goods, and it is undeniable that the selection and choices are much larger than your average home store. 

While there are surely many nice decorations and regular items that you would gladly put in your cart, the best reason to shop here is the specificity that comes with such a variety of choices.

Have an allergy? You can pick from a wide range of hypoallergenic pillows. Have a specific preference for shower heads? You will find yourself unable to choose because you will find more than one that fits your needs.

Another niche that Bed Bath and Beyond specializes in, is selling as seen on TV items.

For years, there was a sort of morbid curiosity to these items that are usually advertised at strange times of the day on television. Being able to see these items in person made buying these items seem less like a gamble.

Get an ESTA to go shopping

The above mentioned shops are just a snippet of what can be seen in the USA. Besides shopping, there are countless other possibilities like national parks, museums, and even unique cuisine.

To get to the USA, an ESTA is the handiest travel authorisation. A visa can take months to apply for, and can be costly. The ESTA has a two-year validity, which makes it easy to travel back to the States more than once.

Children and babies also need an ESTA in order to travel to the USA. If travelling with your whole family, you can simply make a group ESTA application. This makes it easier to keep track of the application and allows for one person to be the point of contact for all the ESTA approvals.