agree with the others - in short, much less quality at much higher price than in the US.

In general, you will probably find that the lower/middle classes in the US enjoy much higher quality goods than their demographic counterparts in the UK. Some of the finest goods in the world are available in the UK but they are not deeply discounted like you would find in the US. The trend toward "outlet malls" with the best brands has not hit the UK (although there are a few). Sales tend to be twice a year affairs rather than on-going as in the US.

In the US, buying expensive things at a cheap price is almost a badge of honour. People like to feel like they are getting a bargain and even the wealthiest people shop at high class outlet malls. In the UK, the culture is much different in this regard.

there is really no target equivalent (semi-stylish discount stores). Perhaps you could put IKEA into this category but for most things (towels included) I find their quality appalling. It's too bad because I like the IDEA OF IKEA but when I bring something home from there, it almost always disappoints in a big way.

TK Maxx (UK version of TJ Maxx) is probably your best bet for discount housewares of a decent quality. however, as in the US, timing is everything and you can't always find what you need.

i would bring towels and some sheets but as others have said, chances are your bed will be a different size than what you have in the US (smaller, no doubt).

If you are not wanting to "lug" towels and sheets with you, then I assume you are not making a full, long term move with all of your things?

Not directly related to your question but I would not bother to bring any 110 voltage electronics/electrics with you. In practice, most things will not work well with even the best very heavy and expensive voltage converters and you may find they make rubbish out of things like CD/DVD players, vacuums, etc. Better to sell or store them in the US and buy new (or better yet used) in the UK.

I looked at the linens department at the John Lewis on Oxford Street last week, checking out towels and sheets. As others have noted, you find lesser quality at higher prices than what you pay in the U.S. Or elsewhere in Europe, for that matter. I bought "house brand" towels at the Globus department store in Basel, Switzerland. Although Switzerland isn't exactly bargain basement territory, I paid less for these VERY high quality towels than what I would have had to pay for lower quality towels at JL. (And FWIW, Ikea towels are fine for furnishing that low-budget holiday let, but not what you'd want in your own home. There are some Ikea products I really like, but towels aren't among them.)

No, there isn't a Target equivalent in the UK. Too bad.

I am moving over for a year, at least, and as I am not sure where I will be living (depends on the job), I am only bringing the barest essentials - clothes, some small (non-electric) housewares, and the like. Since a lot of flats in London are rented furnished, I will probably need towels, sheets, pillows, etc. I have a big down comforter with several duvet covers, and some nice linen flat sheets, so will pack & send them. I will also pack a couple of bathsheets.

I am not bothering to bring anything electric, and will also be looking for a laptop computer as soon as i get there.

I like the slobrador comment. My guy, who died in november was a shedrador. I could have made sweaters from what that dog shed onto the carpets. He didn't slobber much, thank god.

Wal-Mart owns the ASDA chain in the UK. I believe they sell less general merchandise than you'd find at a typical Wal-Mart Supercenter as they are more concentrated in food, but I'd imagine they sell towels.

While certainly not a stylish as Target, you'll at least get a decent price as Asda and Wal-Mart source from the same locations.

Treat yourself to Fretté linens, yes they're pricey, but I've still got sets from decades ago and they're just as crisp as when they were bought.

As for my suitcase size - I'm thinking of more trunk-like proportions, however, even if it took several cases it's far easier than buying all new linens for the sake of it.

It's Frette, no accent, mk. I figured you'd want to know. :-D

The UK has plenty of top quality goods but you get what you pay for so if you are a cheapass you will only get low quality items. Remember the GBP is worth more than USD which is why people take things back from the states. Try BHS for excellent quality towels and linens at what I consider a reasonable price.

OH and if you are shopping in London expect to pay a great deal more than most other parts of the UK as it is the CAPITAL!

We moved to the UK about 5 years ago, taking just a suitcase each. We had to furnish our rented flat and found BHS (British Homes Stores) good for bed linen and towels. I think they would be more equivalent to Target than John Lewis, which is more upmarket. There is a big BHS on Oxford Street, linens are upstairs along with a cheap cafeteria and toilets.

Marks and Spencer have a good range of towels etc, as well as crockery and cutlery. There are two big M&S stores on Oxford Street, one at each end of the main shopping area. The one near Marble Arch is bigger so you'll have a better range to choose from.

If you can find a big Tesco or Sainsburys - there won't be one in central London but plenty outside London - they will have cheap towels and bed linen too. They also sell saucepans, kettles etc. Not high quality but we bought cheaper stuff and gave it away when we left the country. We found it much cheaper to do that than ship everything.

Kay

On electronic goods I would check prices UK/States. The big companies are

comet, pc world and Amazon.co.uk

all have web sites and you may find that it is worth bringing the stuff from the US

Why are we resurrecting a five year old thread?