I know that feeling when you first move somewhere new: I know exactly where I’d buy this at home… but where do I go here?
It can be surprisingly helpful in the early days to ‘translate’ a new city into the shopping framework you already know. So, for the Aussies and Brits — two of my homes before Riyadh — consider this your cheat sheet.
Kmart? Bunnings? John Lewis? B&Q? Here’s where I’d try first in Riyadh.
Note, these aren’t necessarily exact equivalents — sometimes there simply isn’t one! Think of this as a starting point for where I’d look first.
🇦🇺 If you’re Australian…
Kmart / Target → There isn’t really an equivalent (sorry!). Depending on what you’re after, try Centrepoint, Home Box, SACO, Daiso or one of the many discount stores.
Myer / David Jones → There isn’t a true department-store equivalent. Centrepoint is probably the closest starting point, although you’ll often end up shopping individual brands in the malls.
Big W → Try Centrepoint or the larger Lulu, Carrefour or Danube hypermarkets, depending on what you need.
Freedom → Try Home Centre, Pan Home or Abyat.
Adairs → Try H&M Home, Zara Home, Home Centre or IKEA.
The Reject Shop → Try 5 Riyal shops, Daiso and other local discount stores.
Priceline / Chemist Warehouse → Try Boots, Whites, Nahdi or Al-Dawaa. For beauty rather than pharmacy essentials, add Sephora.
Bunnings / Mitre 10 → Try SACO (this is one of the easiest translations).
Officeworks → Try Jarir Bookstore.
JB Hi-Fi / Harvey Norman → Try eXtra for electronics and appliances, and Jarir for tech, computers and accessories.
Kathmandu → Try Al Sanidi for camping and outdoor gear.
Woolworths / Coles → This one is harder because Riyadh has much more varied supermarkets. As a rough starting point: Panda and Othaim for everyday/value shopping; Lulu for enormous range and international products; Danube and Carrefour for a mix of local and international brands; Tamimi for lots of familiar European and American imports; and Spinneys for more premium options and imported products.
🇬🇧 If you’re British…
John Lewis → There isn’t really an equivalent. Try Centrepoint for the department-store experience and Home Centre for homewares and furniture.
M&S → Good news: M&S exists in Saudi, although the stores and ranges aren’t necessarily what you’re used to at home.
Next → Next is here too, with both in-store and online shopping.
Primark → Not here yet, but it’s coming. Saudi Arabia’s first Primark is officially scheduled to open in 2027. Until then, try Next, Redtag or Centrepoint for affordable family basics.
Matalan → Try Max, Redtag or Centrepoint for affordable family clothing, and Home Box for budget homewares.
Dunelm → Try Home Centre, Home Box, Pan Home or Abyat.
TK Maxx → Try Brands For Less.
Superdrug / Boots → Boots is here, or get to know the big Saudi pharmacy chains: Nahdi, Al-Dawaa and Whites.
B&Q / Homebase → Try SACO.
WHSmith → Try Jarir Bookstore.
Currys → Try eXtra, with Jarir also useful for computers and smaller tech.
Argos → There isn’t an equivalent. Between Amazon.sa, noon, SACO and eXtra, you’ll usually find what you’re looking for — just not all under one Argos-shaped roof.
Mountain Warehouse / Cotswold Outdoor → Try Al Sanidi.
Smyths → Try Toys “R” Us or Hamleys.
Mothercare → For baby gear and essentials, try shopping online at Mumzworld.
Tesco / Sainsbury’s / Waitrose → Again, don’t try too hard to find a one-for-one equivalent. Get to know Panda, Othaim, Lulu, Carrefour, Danube, Tamimi and Spinneys and you’ll quickly work out which suits the way your family shops.
TLDR; the Riyadh shops to learn first
If all of that is too much to remember, start here:
SACO → hardware, DIY, garden and random household things
Jarir → stationery, books, office supplies and tech
Centrepoint → family fashion, kids and home
Home Centre / Home Box → furniture and homewares
eXtra → electronics and appliances
Nahdi / Al-Dawaa / Whites → pharmacy, toiletries and beauty
Panda / Othaim / Lulu / Carrefour / Danube / Tamimi / Spinneys → groceries, each with its own personality
And if I’ve missed your go-to Riyadh equivalent, send it to me — I’d love to keep adding to this list.