United States – Retail and Consumer Issues

What are the typical opening hours for shops in the United States?

When it comes to retail trading hours, the United States ranks among the most permissive nations in the world. There is no national legislation dictating when stores must open or close — a stark contrast to countries such as Germany, where federal and state rules have historically constrained shop hours, or England and Wales, where supermarkets exceeding 280 m² are capped at six hours of Sunday trading. American retailers are free to set their own schedules, and they tend to take full advantage of that freedom.

Large supermarket chains including Kroger, Safeway, and Publix generally operate from roughly 6am or 7am through to 10pm or 11pm, every day of the week. A number of Walmart Supercenter locations — the combined grocery and general merchandise format — run around the clock, as do many convenience stores and select CVS pharmacy branches, especially in densely populated cities like New York and Las Vegas. It is worth noting, however, that Walmart scaled back its 24-hour operations following the pandemic and has not restored those hours at most sites.

Shopping malls and larger retail complexes typically welcome customers from around 10am or 11am, closing somewhere between 8pm and 9pm on weekdays, with marginally reduced hours on Sundays. Independent neighbourhood shops follow far more varied schedules — a local boutique may run from 10am to 6pm, while ethnic grocery stores in urban communities often remain open from early morning well into the evening.

Around major holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, trading hours across the country tend to shift. Many chain stores close completely or operate on abbreviated schedules, with Christmas Day and Thanksgiving seeing the most widespread shutdowns. It is always advisable to confirm hours in advance around any public holiday.

A handful of localities still enforce “blue laws” that restrict Sunday commerce — Bergen County, New Jersey, which borders New York City and contains some of the country’s highest concentrations of retail, is one of the most frequently cited examples. These cases remain the exception rather than the norm, but it pays to familiarise yourself with local rules when settling into a new area.

What forms of payment are typically accepted in the United States?

The United States is decisively card-oriented rather than cash-dependent. Credit cards currently lead all payment methods, and forecasts suggest mobile payments could surpass them by 2027. Cash represents roughly 12% of point-of-sale transactions, while credit cards account for more than 40% and debit cards for approximately 30%. Newcomers arriving from countries where physical currency remains dominant — including parts of southern Europe, Latin America, or Southeast Asia — will notice that the American retail environment is built firmly around card and digital payment systems.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover enjoy broad acceptance throughout the country. EMV chip technology is now the standard, having displaced the older magnetic-stripe swipe method. One cultural quirk worth knowing: unlike many countries where card transactions are confirmed with a PIN, American payment terminals often prompt customers to select “credit” or “debit” and may ask for a signature or billing ZIP code rather than a PIN — particularly at older terminals still in circulation.

Contactless payment has shifted from a niche feature to a mainstream expectation across the US. By 2023, more than 85% of American merchants could accept contactless payments, a dramatic increase from around 40% in 2018. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are all widely supported, along with global platforms such as PayPal and Venmo.

Adoption of contactless and digital wallet payments is especially strong in cities and among younger consumers — close to 70% of those aged 18–34 report using contactless methods regularly. In rural regions and at very small independent vendors, acceptance of digital wallets may be spottier, so it remains sensible to carry a physical card and a modest amount of cash when venturing beyond urban centres.

One aspect of American retail culture that surprises many newcomers is the tipping norm. In restaurants, a gratuity of 20% to 25% of the bill has become standard, and leaving a tip via the card terminal is now routine across the entire service industry. Many point-of-sale screens at cafés and counter-service eateries automatically prompt for a tip — this can catch people off guard if they come from countries where tipping is informal or uncommon.

What are the major supermarkets in the United States, and how do they differ?

America’s grocery sector is broad, regionally varied, and split across multiple price tiers and formats. Rather than a handful of dominant national chains as seen in some other countries, the US features a fragmented marketplace where national behemoths, regional favourites, and hard discounters operate side by side. Getting to grips with these distinctions early on will help you shop more efficiently.

Budget and value supermarkets: Aldi and Lidl — both German discounters well known to shoppers across Europe — have built a growing footprint in the US, concentrated largely in the East and Midwest. Their American stores follow the same formula as their European equivalents: a streamlined product selection, strong private-label ranges, and prices comfortably below those of mainstream grocers. Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market occupy a comparable budget-to-mid-range tier and represent the most geographically accessible grocery option in the country, particularly across suburban and rural communities. Dollar General and Dollar Tree offer a limited assortment of food and household essentials at very low price points.

Mid-range supermarkets: Kroger is the largest traditional grocery chain in the US by revenue, trading under a variety of regional names including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Fry’s, and King Soopers. Safeway — part of the Albertsons family — and its sister banners such as Vons, Jewel-Osco, Tom Thumb, and Shaw’s collectively cover much of the country as a solid mid-range option. Publix commands strong loyalty throughout the Southeast and is frequently recognised for its customer service standards. HEB is a well-loved mid-to-premium regional chain with deep roots across Texas. Broadly speaking, these chains are comparable in pricing and range to a Tesco or Carrefour.

Premium supermarkets: Whole Foods Market, now under Amazon’s ownership, is the pre-eminent premium grocer in the US, distinguished by its organic produce, speciality food selections, and quality own-label lines. Trader Joe’s occupies a distinctive niche — compact stores, an enthusiastic following for its own-brand products, and pricing that often defies expectations given the quality on offer. Sprouts Farmers Market appeals to health-focused shoppers, emphasising fresh produce and natural foods. These retailers are broadly analogous to Waitrose or Monoprix in terms of market position.

Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam’s Club operate on a bulk-purchase, membership model. Costco’s annual membership fee falls in the range of $65–$130 (as of 2025 — verify current pricing at costco.com). For households with adequate storage space, warehouse clubs can deliver exceptional value, but the upfront membership cost and large pack sizes make them less suitable for smaller weekly shops.

Most major chains run loyalty or rewards programmes that are free to join and can deliver meaningful savings over time. Kroger’s scheme generates fuel points and personalised discounts; Safeway and Albertsons operate a comparable programme; Whole Foods shoppers who link their Amazon Prime account receive additional member pricing. Signing up early in your time in the US is generally worthwhile.

How popular is online shopping in the United States, and what are the main platforms?

E-commerce is woven into the fabric of daily life in the United States. Amazon commands the market by a wide margin, offering tens of millions of products with delivery options that include same-day or next-day fulfilment for Prime subscribers, through to standard 3–5 day shipping. Amazon Prime membership is priced at around $139 per year (as of 2025 — check amazon.com for current pricing) and bundles in benefits beyond shopping, notably video streaming. For newly arrived expats who need to furnish and equip a home quickly, a Prime membership can pay for itself within weeks.

Beyond Amazon, major retailers maintain well-developed online stores. Walmart.com, Target.com, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Wayfair all rank among the most frequently visited e-commerce destinations. Many offer same-day fulfilment or click-and-collect services. Instacart enables grocery orders from multiple local supermarkets, with delivery often arriving within one to two hours — particularly handy while you are still getting your bearings with local store options.

Other platforms serving specific niches include eBay for pre-owned and specialist items, Etsy for handcrafted and vintage goods, and Chewy for pet products. Fashion shoppers frequently turn to ASOS (US site), Zappos, and Nordstrom Rack. Buy-now-pay-later services such as Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm are built into many online checkouts.

Expats sourcing goods from overseas should be aware that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) levies import duties on international shipments above a de minimis threshold of $800 (as of 2025 — verify at cbp.gov). Packages valued below that amount generally enter the country duty-free. Bear in mind that this threshold is subject to ongoing policy review, so always confirm the current rules before placing high-value international orders.

Delivery performance is reliably strong in cities and suburbs. Addresses in rural locations may face longer lead times or additional surcharges from certain carriers, particularly for large or heavy items. Note also that UPS and FedEx require a physical street address and will not deliver to P.O. Box numbers, so make sure a valid residential or workplace address is registered for all shipments.

Are there shops or products catering specifically to expats or international tastes?

Few countries on earth rival the United States for cultural diversity, and that diversity is plainly evident on the retail landscape. In virtually every major city — and in many mid-sized towns — specialist stores, markets, and dedicated neighbourhoods serve the food and lifestyle needs of international communities from around the world.

Asian groceries and markets: H Mart is a well-established Korean-American supermarket chain with dozens of branches across the US, particularly in California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia. It carries an extensive selection of Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and broader Asian products. 99 Ranch Market is another substantial Asian grocery chain, with its strongest presence in California and neighbouring West Coast states. In major cities, Chinatown districts and Vietnamese, Filipino, and South Asian neighbourhoods are home to dedicated grocery stores and fresh produce markets. Indian grocery stores — often referred to as “desi” stores — stock the spices, lentils, flours, and prepared products central to South Asian cooking.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products: Halal grocery stores are well represented in cities with significant Muslim populations, among them New York, Chicago, Dearborn (Michigan), Houston, and Los Angeles. Mediterranean delicatessens and speciality food shops carry olives, feta, tahini, za’atar, and related items. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s also stock a reasonable range of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean pantry staples at their stores nationwide.

Latin American groceries: Fiesta Mart (Texas), Cardenas Markets (California and Nevada), El Super, and Vallarta Supermarkets are established chains built specifically around Latin American communities, offering fresh tortillas, dried chillies, plantains, and regional speciality products. Across much of the South and Southwest, Latin American produce is routinely stocked in mainstream supermarkets as well.

European products: Dedicated European food shops are less common but do exist in larger cities. British, German, and Scandinavian products can also be found at Cost Plus World Market, a retailer specialising in international foods and homewares. European retail brands including IKEA (Swedish), H&M (Swedish), Zara (Spanish), and Primark (Irish) all have a US presence, as do luxury European fashion and cosmetics houses. Some specifically European food products — such as cheeses carrying EU protected designation of origin, or certain cured meats — may be unavailable in standard shops or obtainable only through specialist delicatessens, owing to US import regulations.

Online platforms, Amazon in particular, and a range of specialist import retailers also make it possible to track down many international products not stocked locally, though shipping costs and import duties may apply to items sourced from outside the US.

What are your rights as a consumer in the United States?

Consumer protection in the US draws on both federal and state law, and the framework operates quite differently from systems newcomers may be familiar with elsewhere. EU consumer law, for example, guarantees a minimum two-year statutory warranty across all member states, and Australia’s national Consumer Law sets uniform rights to repair, replacement, or refund for defective goods across the entire country. The US, by contrast, operates a more patchwork system where the protections available to you can depend heavily on the state in which you reside and the policies of individual retailers.

Returns and refunds: No federal legislation compels American stores to accept returned goods. Many states require retailers to display their return policies prominently, and broad laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive trade practices apply in every state. In practice, most major retailers accept returns within a window of 30 to 90 days provided proof of purchase is presented, but policies differ significantly — particularly for electronics, software, and perishable goods. Some stores levy restocking fees or insist on original packaging. Always read the return policy before completing a purchase.

Faulty goods and implied warranties: A product that is defective or unfit for its intended purpose may be covered by an implied warranty — a legal expectation that goods should function as designed. Where a product fails to meet that standard, the consumer may be entitled to a refund or exchange. Manufacturer’s express warranties, issued in writing, are independently enforceable under both federal and state law. Retaining receipts and keeping original packaging can prove essential in these situations.

The Cooling-Off Rule: Under the FTC’s federal Cooling-Off Rule, consumers have three business days to cancel certain transactions — particularly those concluded at their home or at a location other than the seller’s regular premises. Door-to-door salespeople are required to inform buyers of this right for purchases exceeding $25, and the rule extends to some sales made at temporary venues such as trade shows or conventions.

Online purchases: No single federal statute governs returns and refunds specifically for online transactions, though consumer protection laws in all states hold sellers to their stated terms. The FTC’s Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Rule requires sellers to dispatch orders within the timeframe advertised — or within 30 days if none is stated — and to issue a full refund if that deadline cannot be met.

Misleading advertising: The FTC has the authority to pursue legal action against businesses that engage in deceptive, fraudulent, or unfair commercial practices, including those making false or misleading claims about their products or services. Consumers can report suspected misleading advertising directly to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Given that consumer rights vary from state to state, it is important to familiarise yourself with the laws specific to where you live. The National Consumer Law Center (nclc.org) offers state-by-state guidance, and each state’s Attorney General office handles consumer complaints at the local level.

Which organisations protect consumers in the United States, and how can you contact them?

Consumer protection responsibilities in the US are distributed across federal agencies, state bodies, and non-governmental organisations. Expats who expect a single national ombudsman-style body may find the system initially confusing — the right authority to approach depends on the nature of the complaint, so understanding the landscape in advance will save time.

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection covers issues spanning credit and money, health matters, employment, and privacy. The agency pursues legal action against companies engaged in deceptive product or service claims, and successful cases sometimes yield refunds for consumers who were harmed. Fraud, scams, and unfair business practices can be reported at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and broader consumer guidance is available at consumer.ftc.gov.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
  The CFPB oversees complaints connected to financial products and services, including credit cards, bank accounts, mortgages, personal loans, and debt collection. Expats encountering problems with financial institutions can submit complaints at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
• State Attorneys General
  Every US state maintains an Attorney General’s office responsible for enforcing consumer protection legislation at the state level. Complaints may be filed with the relevant AG or through other channels such as the Better Business Bureau or the FTC. A directory of state Attorney General offices is available at naag.org.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  The BBB is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that facilitates resolution of disputes between consumers and businesses. While it has no law enforcement powers, many businesses respond to BBB complaints in order to protect their ratings. Complaints can be submitted at bbb.org.
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
  The CPSC is responsible for the safety of consumer products on the American market and administers product recalls. Reports about unsafe goods and recall information can be found at cpsc.gov.
• National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)
  The NCLC is an advocacy organisation publishing detailed resources on consumer law, including state-specific guidance on rights relating to credit, debt, and product warranties. Its materials are especially valuable when navigating more complex consumer disputes. Visit nclc.org.
• USA.gov Consumer Resources
  The federal government’s consumer information portal at usa.gov/consumer offers a centralised directory of complaint tools, consumer guides, and links to relevant agencies — a useful first stop for expats who are uncertain which body is responsible for a particular type of issue.

Frequently asked questions: retail and consumer issues in the United States

Do shops in the US open on Sundays?

Yes, the overwhelming majority of American stores — including supermarkets, shopping malls, and major chains — are open on Sundays, usually operating on full or near-full schedules. A small number of localities retain “blue laws” that limit Sunday commerce, with Bergen County, New Jersey being a well-known example, but such restrictions are unusual. There is no federal Sunday trading restriction in the US, which stands in contrast to England and Wales, where larger stores are limited to six hours of Sunday opening.

Is tipping expected at shops and markets in the US?

Tipping is a deeply ingrained part of American culture. In restaurants, a gratuity of between 20% and 25% of the total bill is broadly expected. At conventional retail outlets, tips are not anticipated. That said, payment terminals at many cafés and counter-service venues now automatically display tip prompts — these can be declined at self-service screens without any social difficulty. For grocery and food delivery services, tipping the driver is customary.

Can I use my foreign bank card in the US?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards issued abroad are accepted at the great majority of American retailers and ATMs. Your home bank may apply foreign transaction fees, so it is worth checking the terms before you travel or relocate. Once you have opened a US bank account and received a domestic debit card, day-to-day purchases will generally become more straightforward and less costly.

Are there legal guarantees if a product I buy is faulty?

A product that is defective or fails to perform as intended may be covered by an implied warranty, which gives the consumer a right to a refund or replacement. Written express warranties from manufacturers are also enforceable under applicable law. However, unlike under EU consumer law, there is no single federally mandated minimum warranty period, meaning the extent of your protection will depend on the specific product, the retailer’s policy, and the consumer protection legislation of your state.

What should I do if a retailer refuses to honour its return policy?

Begin by escalating the matter internally — request to speak with a store manager or submit a written complaint to the company’s customer service team. Should that approach fail, you can lodge a complaint with your state’s Attorney General office or the Better Business Bureau. For purchases made online or by mail order, the FTC’s Mail Order Rule may be relevant. Small claims court provides another avenue for resolving disputes, with monetary thresholds that differ between states.

Is it easy to find international foods and products in the US?

In major cities and surrounding suburban areas, sourcing a wide variety of international products is generally straightforward — from Korean and South Asian ingredients to Middle Eastern specialities and Latin American staples. Specialist chains such as H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, and Fiesta Mart serve their respective communities comprehensively. In rural parts of the country, options narrow considerably, but many international food products can be ordered online through Amazon and other retailers for delivery nationwide.

Are prices displayed in the US inclusive of tax?

No — shelf prices in American stores are shown before sales tax. Tax is applied at the point of sale and varies by state and, in some cases, by city or county, ranging from 0% in states such as Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware, to more than 10% in certain localities. This means the amount on the price tag will consistently differ from the final total charged at the checkout.

How do I report a scam or fraudulent business practice in the US?

Suspected scams or unlawful business practices can be reported to the FTC via reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your state’s Attorney General office is another appropriate avenue, and financial scams can be reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. All US residents, including expats, are entitled to use these reporting services.