🇬🇧 BRIT Reacts To DIFFERENCES BETWEEN US & UK GROCERY STORES! 

The reason sales tax isn't fixed is because different states have different sales tax. Even within the states different counties and different towns within the same county can have different sales tax rates. This goes back the idea of of taxation without representation (a factor in the revolutionary war). Locals tend to get a bit of a voice in how their local governments spend their tax dollars.

The clear up one of your questions, PepsiCo (Lay's is a chip brand of PepsiCo) purchased Walkers in 1989. Instead of ruining their brand recogntion in a market, companies will usually keep the brand name that is familiar in that region :)

We call them supermarkets in the US too, depending on where you live. 50 or more years ago the name was used to differentiate larger chain stores from independent, local small groceries sometimes called "mom & pop" or "corner" groceries based on their operators or typical location. But even larger, modern supermarkets are still smaller than big box stores that sell groceries among many other things.

Wal-Mart didn't always sell groceries, and most people don't consider it a "grocery store." A typical American grocery store is more like UK Sainsbury's or Tesco. Wal-Mart is a "superstore" because it sells all kinds of household goods (clothes, electronics, linens, gardening supplies, camping gear, school supplies, etc.) PLUS a full range of groceries. Target also has some superstores in the same vein.

Most supermarkets put the dairy, coffee, bread, etc. at the back of the store so the customer has to walk past other sections/departments en route to basic essentials. It's a subtle (and effective) way to nudge people to make impulse purchases.

in the states, the terms "grocery store" and "super market" are interchangeable, we use both and no one finds it weird if you use one over the other. they both pretty much mean the same thing for the most part

Walmart has a grocery store, department store with clothes ect, electronics are with TV's, an auto shop where cars are getting repaired, sporting goods, pharmacy, home goods like dishes pots pans ect. Literally you can get everything you need to live life at a Walmart although it's typically cheaper brands ect.

Walmart isn't really a grocery store. It's a department store that has groceries and almost everything else. They don't just carry auto parts, but also clothing, electronics, camping gear, toys, tools. . . Where I live, grocery stores include Safeway, Albertson's, Lucky, Trader Joe's, Food Maxx, Grocery Outlet, and Raley's, as well as non-chain stores like Berkeley Bowl. Sales tax varies so much by state, county, and city that it's hard to generalize. Some places have no sales tax at all. In other places, it's over 10%. In California, some major items are excluded from sales tax, including food (unless it's heated on the premises), medicine, and eyeglasses. You can get out of a grocery store in California without paying any sales tax at all, as long as you only buy food items. We do use the word "supermarket" in the U.S. Some claim a supermarket is part of a big chain, while a grocery store is an independent store.

As far as sales tax I think the highest sales tax rates are around 10%. 20% peoples head would explode. That being said things like groceries and other essentials are typically taxed at a much lower rate maybe 1% or 2%. And of course there are some states that have 0% sales tax. That’s why it’s applied at the register because it varies so widely, State to state county to county even town to town. You can go from one town to the next just a few miles apart and have different sales tax rates. When you consider that advertising and often labeling (think large clothing chains) cross these boundaries it makes sense that the taxes are applied at the register rather than labeled on the shelf or on the rack.

Coca Cola alone there are caffeine free, zero, diet & regular versions of Coke, Cherry Vanilla Coke, Cherry Coke, Orange Coke & Vanilla Coke. Plus there are regional offerings like Georgia Peach in Georgia & Raspberry Coke in California. They also do seasonal Coke flavors. Coke Freestyle machines let you do 127 different flavor combinations. If you start getting into all the other brands of sodas & flavor variants you will be in the hundreds of possibilities. The soda aisle in most groceries stores is insanely long & varied. Same thing with cereal, cookies (biscuits), chips (crisps), etc. The variety is absolutely insane. Soon for the fall there will be pumpkin spiced EVERYTHING!

Kabir, there is a whole psychology to marketing. I only took a class or two, but it was fascinating. Expensive, popular brands go at eye level. Here in America the average woman is 5' 7" so about that height. Store or off brands are either stuck on the top or bottom shelves. Your necessities are in the back, again so you have to walk past all the useless crap you didnt know you wanted. Everything is done for a reason. The music played, store layout, lighting, etc. Very interesting subject.

Sales tax varies by state, county, & city. It will range from 4% to 10%. There are also a few states with no sales tax The reason that the stores don’t just include it in the price is so that national brands and stores can use the same product tags and marketing material nationwide and not have to adjust it for every location.

I get my groceries delivered as well but I brought my best friend (from Slovakia) to a Walmart just for fun. My family has never shopped there but she pointed out the aisles are as big as their roads (can verify). Plus, I couldn’t imagine doing grocery shopping with so many other areas around. My mom took me to buy something at a nearby Target in February and “lost” me. Thankfully the toy section and electronics areas are next to each other. All she had to do was look in the Jurassic World aisle. I just turned 30 in June 😂

Sales tax here in Maryland, is six percent of the posted price. Although grocery items that are deemed essential, like milk, eggs, etc., are not taxed.

Some grocery stores in the US doesn’t even sell alcohol depending on the state/county

Sales tax depends on the state and county within that states, there’s over 11,000 tax jurisdictions within the US so that’s why it can’t just be included. It ranges from 0% - 11%. Lays (a US brand) had to change the name to Walkers and Axe (a French brand) had to change to Lynx because of legal issues with the name in the UK and a few other countries

Walmart isn't a grocery store per se. It's a "big box" store, similar to an old fashioned department store, with a grocery section inside. Sales tax varies from state to state, and can vary among different types of items. Food is generally taxed less, liquor and cigarettes, more, etc.

Sometimes brands are different across the states like Best Foods Mayonnaise in the western U.S. is called Hellmann’s as you travel east.

Walmart isnt a supermarket. Its a store that sells a little of everything, and has a grocery section at the side, which they started doing in the late nineties.

Walmart has 3 sizes, The neighborhood market (grocery store), regular Walmart (department store) and Super Walmart (warehouse sized department store). Additionally, Sam's Club (owned by Walmart) is a Warehouse Club.

Walmarts are much larger than standard American grocery stores. By the way, Laurence for a change is dead wrong. Supermarket is used in the US too. I actually think Grocery Store is more of a Midwest thing.

Sales tax in the USA are between 0% - 10.25% depending on the state, item, city, or street.

Marketing and the psychology behind it is key in any store. It's why they place items in different lighting, items when you first walk in at the front of the store, or at check out. It's like at Target having the "one spot" where it's items you can buy for $1 that "convinces" you that you need it when you don't. The psychology behind it is amazing and how it applies to everything (color of walls, colors used to attract the eye, etc)

I love Lawrence. He should be a national treasure in two countries. He's just too funny. 😁

Also, here in Nevada there are 3 types of Wal-Marts there is a "regular" Wal-Mart that has a very limited grocery section. Then there's a Wal-Mart Market that sells groceries only. Then you have the Wal-Mart Super Center which has a full size grocery store, auto service center, eye care center, all departments you would find in a retail department store like sporting goods, firearms, camping, etc. The Wal-Mart Super Center near me also has a Starbucks, McDonald's, and a Subway Sandwich shop inside as well. I suppose the size of store depends on population of the zip codes that the store will serve.

Sales Tax Rates in the US: Alabama: 4% Alaska: None Arizona: 5.6% Arkansas: 6.5% California: 7.25% Colorado: 2.9% Connecticut: 6.35% Delaware: None D.C.: 6% Florida: 6% Georgia: 4% Hawaii: 4% Idaho: 6% Illinois: 6.25% Indiana: 7% Iowa: 6% Kansas: 6.5% Kentucky: 6% Louisiana: 4.45% Maine: 5.5% Maryland: 6% Massachusetts: 6.25% Michigan: 6% Minnesota: 6.875% Mississippi: 7% Missouri: 4.225% Montana: None Nebraska: 5.5% Nevada: 6.85% New Hampshire: None New Jersey: 6.625% New Mexico: 5.125% New York: 4% North Carolina: 4.75% North Dakota: 5% Ohio: 5.75% Oklahoma: 4.5% Oregon: None Pennsylvania: 6% Rhode Island: 7% South Carolina: 6% South Dakota: 4.5% Tennessee: 9.75% Texas: 6.25% Utah: 6.1% Vermont: 6% Virginia: 5.3% Washington: 6.5% West Virginia: 6% Wisconsin: 5% Wyoming: 4%

Walmart actually has a multi bay garage with mechanics that can do minor repairs and install tires, lights, oil changes, government inspections, ect.

We have differences in brand names within the US as well. Dreyer's ice cream on the West Coast is Edy's on the East Coast. Best Foods Mayo (West) vs. Hellman's (East). Carl's Jr (fast food - West) vs. Hardee's (East). Orowheat (bread brand on the West Coast) vs. Arnold (East Coast). All of these have the same packaging and logo but just a different name. You never really know until you travel elsewhere and notice.

If anybody who doesn't have access to a Walmart is curious the average Walmart will have -a groceries section -a clothing section -a toys section -a pharmacy -an electronics section -a home and gardens center -an automotive section -small home's repair, remodeling and decorating section -a hunting and fishing section -fitness equipment and supplies section -a bicycle section -a footwear section -a seasonal items section -a greetings card section -an eyeglasses purchase and repair area -a restaurant this is only a list of the most common sections to find in a Walmart. Sections will vary according to the size and location of the store. In addition things such as the eyeglasses purchase and repair area may be downgraded and merged with the pharmacy or upgraded to a full ophthalmologist's office depending on the size of the store. Many other things can be changed in the same fashion.

Sales tax is less than VAT. Sales tax in the US also varies by State, and municipality which is one reason it is done at the point of sale because many stores are chains. Imagine Walmart trying to price a shirt with tax added, when the tax varies all across the country. Also sales tax will vary by item in places as well. Example, where I live in Texas, sales tax is .0825%, but there is no sales tax on food items like eggs, milk, bread, veggies, etc. And, things like gasoline, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages may have a higher sales tax than the local .0825 Go just one town over, and you may find everything taxed at a different rate. This is local government in action.

Kabir the reason Walmarts (actually they are Super Walmarts) are so big is because they aren’t traditional grocery stores. . Stores like Walmart and their main competitorTarget, didn’t always carry groceries. They sold clothing, toys, household goods etc.but over the years they expanded their merchandise to include groceries in order to suck up that money. You mentioned Kroeger, they are more in line with traditional American supermarkets. The terminology for groceries store/supermarket varies from region to region here in the states and it’s also generational. I’m 52 and growing up in Southern California we had levels to identify these stores: small neighborhood stores were known as neighborhood markets. These were basically all-purpose liquor stores; in addition to liquor/beer/cigarettes they had a small selection of groceries and household supplies. America is large so In NYC those types of stores are called bodegas if I remember correctly. A grocery store here in LA was a normal size to small Ralph’s (Kroeger), Von’s etc or maybe a family owned or local/regional chain. They carried everything but the were not big stores. When I was a kid in the 70s is when supermarkets became a big deal, coinciding with the expansion of the suburbs. This actually began earlier than the 70s but I wasn’t around to see that stuff. Lol. The supermarkets where the crown jewels for grocery companies; huge gleaming and new with aisle upon aisle of every food your heart could desire!

A couple years ago we went fishing in Alaska and stopped at the Walmart SuperCenter in Wasilla for insulated boxes to bring them home in. Most Walmart SuperCenters have two entrances; one more focused on variety goods, and one more focused on food. They had another one as a farm and feed store. You could get your groceries, new jewelry, Lego, an air compressor, a new pair of pants, some naughty underwear, a toilet repair kit, a new laptop, bear spray, a football, new tires for the truck, along with goat feed, poultry scratch, and a hog feeder. Literally everything.

A big misunderstanding about Walmart buying car parts at the grocery/ supermarket is that Walmart originated as a department store. So at first, Walmart had all the other (clothes, toiletries, athletic/ sports, toys, etc) stuff and eventually expanded locations to include a more full and comprehensive automotive department where you can buy just buy a tire, but they can put the new tire on your car and change your oil. Similarly they only carried snacks and basic food until they expanded into a full grocery department. As those features became standard the Walmart Supercenter was born and took over the US like Covid.

20% is crazy. The highest sales tax in the US is less than 10%, and most are in the 6-8% range. That 20% would be a real bitch on major purchases like cars, appliances, etc.

Lay’s is the original company. It uses the name Walker’s as the product name outside the US. Lawrence did a whole video on this. Back when I was a kid, everything was a grocery store. Then some of them became bigger and were called a supermarket. Then came Walmart which combined a grocery store with a department store. Most of the small, family owned grocery stores are gone. I haven’t called them a supermarket for a long time as now these stores are where all the shopping is done, so I just call everything the grocery store, including Walmart. Mostly because all the shopping I do is for groceries and sundries. If I was going to make a separate run to Walmart for non-groceries I would probably say I’m going to Walmart. Or just going to the store depending on how specific I need to be. He doesn’t show it in this video but the variety is in just about everything. The cereal aisle is huge. The variety in spaghetti sauces, canned vegetables, you name it. I notice a difference between stores in different areas of the city also, depending on how they need to cater to the neighborhood.

Lol Okay. I need to say this. Our delis, bakeries and fruits and vegetables are in the front of the store because people will go to the store just for those items and not have to run through the entire place. People stop there for lunches (deli) and breakfasts (bakery) and grab fruits and veggies with those. We have limited time on lunch breaks from work. It allows the store to gain our business at that time. The tires, yes, we can buy tires there. But it's not what you think. There's a separate register in the auto department, and you can drive your car over to it. So no need to lug the tire through the store. They have a mechanics shop with large garage-style doors for vehicles and can bring your tire out to you.

4:26 It's simple logics. Extremely perishable foods like fruits and vegetables first, then packaged meats, poultry and dairy around the perimeter, your longer-life groceries in the middle, and loose confectionary and/or magazines and newspapers near checkouts. In the US: Since eggs are refrigerated, it would be in the perimeter, but in Britain, Australia and NZ, since eggs are not refrigerated, they are most likely be in the second-to-last inside aisle with bread. Liquor is either the last in line or tucked away in the corner so it can be fenced off for in-store tastings and restrict access.

Lol "imagine an American saying hey can I get a bag of walkers?"😂 your code switch from British to American was amazing!😂👌🏾 you should do it more often!

So a supermarket here in Florida is Rowe’s. I don’t know about the UK but Rowe’s has ethnic foods. It has authentic Asian groceries, Caribbean, Haitian, Mexican, Puerto Rican grocery items. And excellent meat choices and prices. You can even buy cow tongue, ox tail and rabbit. You will find items there you won’t find in an average Walmart or supermarket. My husband is Haitian and I took him to Rowe’s for the first time. He was shocked and amazed to find the Haitian isle with all these products and brands from his childhood.

Yes, sales tax is usually 5%-10%. Usually there's a base sales tax from the state and then you may have a county or city sales tax added to that, which is generally going to be less than half the total. Also, many states changed sales taxes in the last 30 years so they may not apply to food (or only exempt food that needs preparation, with ready-to-eat foods taxed) or to supplies for menstruation. Both of these were to help low income people meet basic needs more easily on awful pay like the $2.13 an hour restaurant servers get before tips in most of the country (which is why you should always tip something, even if you aren't happy with the service, then speak to a manager or leave a review).

Many Brand Names predate the current corporate structure. So, in some cases, once upon a time they were different, but then merged on a corporate level. So brand recognition/loyalty would be a marketing issue. Then, there are patent and trademark issues.

There's no federal sales tax. Delaware, New Hampshire, Montana, and Oregan have no sales tax. Alaska has no state tax but allows localities to change sales tax. As for state wide sales tax it rages from 4-7.5% Most of the largest counties in California where I live are up over 10%

Supermarkets are called Supermarkets in North America. Grocery stores is used as a generic term. Most Grocery stores are typically smaller or referred to most "mom & pop" neighborhood stores. The larger the supermarket the more variety there is. Sales tax is only applied to certain items such as tools, supplies (not regular food items). Sales tax depends on region (city or state) the range can be 0 to as high as 9%). New York State Sales tax is approximately 8.65%. You are correct about product labeling. Names in the UK may not work well with the same products sold in the US. Lays, for example originates from the parent company "Frito-Lay" hence the various product names such as Lay's, Tostitos, Fritos, Cheetos, etc. Name differences may have a different connotation in the US vs. UK.

At Walmart, you can get medical supplies, hunting supplies (yes a gun), automotive supplies, paint, everything you need for a kitchen, food, fabric, clothing, and all the cola you need.

I always classed Walmart as less of a grocery store and more of a department store. They sell food, jewelry, clothes, toys, electronics, sports equipment, outdoors equipment, tools, seasonal items, craft items, sometimes they even have a garden department attached. I consider a grocery store just a place where you buy food and home essentials, like Giant, Safeway, Lidl, etc.

Florida does federal sales taxes of 6%, each county or city can add an additional sales tax to help fund other projects. Food isn't taxed though. In Tampa Bay you'll find sales taxes range from 7% to about 10% depending on the area you live in.

Walmart has car parts before they had groceries. Walmart and Target are department stores that expanded into the grocery market.

Walmart is not a typical grocery store here in the US: it is a superstore with a grocery area. There are several chain grocery stores in the US such as Ralphs/Kroger and Vons/Safeway (either name depending upon the area of the country they are located in) and many grocery stores such as Trader Joes and others that are state or city oriented. There is a good amount of variety in our grocery stores and many of the smaller stores offer different types of grocery products such as Trader Joes o, here in S CA, Sprouts. When I hear Walmart as a main grocery store I personally don't shop there for groceries.

He was definitely exaggerating when he said 27, but we definitely have more than the ones you listed; Cherry Vanilla Coke, Orange Vanilla Coke, and Cherry Zero Coke are the ones I can name off the top of my head, but there might be more. Also, at least in my experience, there's usually a door near the autoparts section. So if you do buy a new tire or something, you don't have to walk through the entire store with it, you can just leave right there.

In Cincinnati we have jungle Jim's, which is an international supermarket. I tried walkers crisps and they taste exactly the same as lays. I always have to pick up some mars bars when I'm there too. 😅

This reminds me of the SNL Wal-Mart Superstore skit. The store greeters discussing how big the store is stating, "You know it's big when you can buy a pack of gum AND a speed boat!" Also, giving a customer directions to sporting goods, then handing her a bottle of water telling her she'll need it for the journey. Priceless!

One of the reasons the sale tax is added at the check out is because some states don't charge tax on food so if you are purchasing from Walmart in a state with no sales tax on food you will pay less for food than you will in a state that does charge sales tax on food. Since they are a huge chain store in every state this allows for them to put the same price on the items in all stores to make it uniform across the US.

We've got probably 40+ flavors of soda depending on brand similarities. Everything from Coke to Cranberry soda and all in between. Walmart has car parts, prescriptions, vision care, deli, food isles, toys, sports, household, pet items, hair items, makeup, bedding, etc. Most even have a restaurant of some type like Subway. I rarely go to Walmart because you have to commit to walking at least a mile to get all the shopping done and most of the time my joints ache too much to consider it. In fact, you may enjoy the video "Brits Explore Walmart! First time in Walmart!" by Joel and Lia.

Trust me IKEA would blow your mind if you ever went in. Cheers my brother Kabir

Sales tax varies all over the country, even from city to city, and most are between 5% and 10%. It also varies by the product you're buying. In some places, groceries aren't taxed, or are taxed at a lower rate than other products. Tourism stuff (concert tickets, hotel rooms) are often taxed at a higher rate than the local sales tax. Some places don't tax services at all (like a hair cut, or tire change). Alcohol and cigarettes are usually taxed at different rates from sales tax. Gasoline (petrol) is taxed differently, but this tax IS included in the listed price. (Surprise!) Big ticket items, like cars and boats, are often taxed under a different scheme and don't incur sales tax, per se.

In walmart, they have tires, car stereos, electronics, small applicances, hunting bows, hunting rifles and ammo, sports equipment, including sports applicances like treadmills and bicycles. They are absolutely massive.

Here in the US we do use the term "grocery store". But it is only used on stores that are very small and locally owned. 👍

Sales tax laws differ depending what state and what county within that state you live in. Where I live in New York State, food is NOT subject to sales tax. Other items you may buy at the store ARE taxable-for example, hair shampoo or dish detergent are taxable items. A gallon of milk is not. We pay more for a property tax (paid yearly, depending on the assessed value of your home)-which usually includes a school tax. Every school district pays way different school taxes-dependent on what the budget for that school district is. We lived 30 years in a “richer” school district, so we paid more for school tax. Other districts pay less. We lived at one time in North Carolina. When we were there, food WAS subject to sales tax. NC also taxed items like your car, or any other items like that. And they had little to no “property” tax or “school” tax. The taxes on food, etc, paid for schools and more. The other HUGE difference you see is in alcohol sales. Many states sell beer, wine, and hard liquor at grocery stores. Still others do not. In New York, beer, spiked seltzer and hard cider (just “cider” in Europe) are the alcoholic beverages sold in grocery stores, and on Sunday, there are restrictions of what times alcohol can be sold. Rather, wine and hard liquor are sold in liquor stores. Liquor stores are usually individually owned (although some owners may have several stores), and the state strictly regulates the sales by requiring liquor store owners to buy “liquor licenses”,which can be very expensive. Other states have other restrictions. Some states were actually referred to “dry” states at one time, and the only way to get a alcoholic drink at a restaurant was to BYOB. Bring-Your-Own-Beverage. As a child, i visited Utah, which at the time had “dry counties’ and “wet counties”-where alcohol could or could not be sold. Those laws have become much more relaxed recently. One state, New Hampshire, has taken alcohol sales to the next level. Alcoholic drinks are ONLY sold in STATE-RUN stores called “PACKAGE” stores. No individuals can own these stores. More than once, I’ve driven through New Hampshire and seen these package stores for myself. At the border between the states of New Hampshire and Maine-there’s a large package store. Yet, you’ll see a large line at the nearest market in Maine-because in Maine you can buy all alcoholic beverages at markets. The biggest shock for visitors to the USA is how vastly different laws are from one state to the next. Down to how companies are run, allocation of funds to the Departments of Transportation etc. We live close to the border between New York and Pennsylvania. I’m a Registered Nurse with a License to practice in New York. I wanted to work at a hospital at the border in PA-so i had to request a Pennsylvania nursing license. The rules about Nursing licensure in New York are among the strictest in the US, so PA automatically granted me a Nursing License (after I paid $300, of course). Some areas of the US (usually very rural areas) have Nursing Licenses that cover multiple states (called “Nursing Compact Licenses”) but New York does not participate in “The Nursing Compact”. Only 24 or 25 states do participate. So the rest do not. In New York State, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs-called “Licensed Vocational Nurses” or LVNs in other states) cannot normally work in hospitals. LPN education is normally about a year, and LPNs generally care for ‘stable’ patients, and RNs care for ‘unstable’ (critically ill, accident or trauma victims, etc) patients. In New York, it was decided that LPNs should not work in hospitals. LPNs here tend to work at nursing homes and doctor’s offices. In addition, in New York State, the law was enacted where an RN who graduates with a two-year-nursing degree have ten years to earn a four-year-nursing degree. Two or four-year graduates can still be licensed as RNs, but the two-year nurses must obtain the four-year degree within ten years. The law is called “BSN in ten” (BSN stands for Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing). PA does not have that law. They also allow LPNs in PA to work in a more limited role in hospitals. When i worked at a hospital just over the border, we did have LPNs on each shift. However, LPNs cannot care for trauma/unstable patients, they cannot give blood transfusions, they cannot give patients medications directly into their IV lines, and they can only start IVs on a limited basis. On every shift, myself and the other RNs had to assist the LPNs if their patients required any task LPNs couldn’t do via PA law. It wasn’t a big deal, but it took awhile to grow accustomed to. PA also (so fair) doesn’t require BSNs within ten years. I have already earned my BSN, so I’ve always been okay. Once you know that each state, county or city/town in the US may have different laws than other areas, you should be okay. We do also have FEDERAL laws (like Medicare), but thats a whole other story!!

Not sure if it's been brought up, but in America, nearly every grocery store has an independent brand sold exclusively at their chain. Walmart has Great Value/Sam's Choice products, Equate medical/first aid supplies and clothing brands ranging from professional (George), casual(Faded Glory), to athleticwead (No Boundaries). Just the carbonated beverages take up nearly two aisles. One for soft drinks, another for carbonated water, sports drinks and alcohol. Walmart has dozens of store-branded beverages to balance the dozens from PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. The convenience of variety is absolutely ridiculous and definitely taken for granted here. I'm from the southeast US, so I'm familiar with our regional chains. Kroger has their own product line, Publix has their own store label, and even discount grocers like Wayfield and Food Lion have their own brands.

A lot of states exempt groceries from sales tax as a some of people mentioned already. Fun fact: Candy and soda are considered groceries in 11 states (Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Carolina, Vermont, and Wyoming) and are therefore not subject to sales tax.

Sales tax varies by a lot of factors! Different areas (states, cities, counties) have different rates, and quite often different items might be taxed differently. Something considered essential, like bread, might be taxed at a lower rate than, say, a preprepard sandwich, and luxury goods are often taxed at a higher rate. For example, sales tax where I live is about 8% for general goods, so if you bought a toy or a chair, but grocery is taxed at about 3%. And, if the items are being bought for something like a charity or a school, then the tax might be waived altogether. From what I heard theres not sales tax at all in Nevada, because the government makes enough money from the Vegas casinos that they just dont charge it. Some places like New York also have a fee of a few cents added on for any plastic bottles, which is returned if you recycle it.

FYI - depending upon the state you may pay tax on food in a grocery store whereas in Texas you don't pay tax on food items (i.e. flour, eggs) but if you buy Kleenex or other goods you will be taxed on those items. Sales tax is 8.25% in texas

In most states, groceries are tax exempt, and those states who tax groceries, do it at a lower rate. The purchase of goods for further manufacture or for resale is uniformly exempt from sales tax. Most jurisdictions exempt food sold in grocery stores, prescription medications, and many agricultural supplies.

Here in Houston, our sales tax is 8.25%. The reason it isn’t added to the price is because the tax rate is different from state to state and sometimes county to county.

I worked for Wal Mart for a few years back in what was called the Tire and lube Express. Park in the back next ti it. Get an oil change, new tires or a flat fixed plus other services done while you inside doin your regular shopping and pick it up when you were done.

Not only can you buy car parts, you can have your vehicle serviced too. Sales tax varies from state to state. In Texas, it's 8.25% in Iowa, it's 7%

Sales taxes are levied by multiple governments. In Georgia our base state tax is 6 1/2% with unprocessed food not taxed. Then add on local taxes, of 3 %, which have been voted by residents in referendums. Thus, in Columbus we pay 9 1/2%.

the science behind the layout depends on who is shopping. If you have a large constituency shopping online, then you structure your website to garner clicks on what you want to sell, and you structure your brick and mortar in such a way as to aide the delivery drivers who are not there to shop or be enticed by sales but just want to get in and out. American stores are designed to keep you moving from aisle to aisle because the longer you are in a store and in front of products, the more likely you are to buy things you didn't come in for. These are the big money makers. The advertisements show products that grocery stores barely turn a profit off of due to markdown, but the grocery store hopes to bring you in and sell you on things you didn't know you needed before. There is a science even behind what is on aisle 3 to 4 and the endcap to bring your eyeline back in to the next aisle

So I remember in Walmart… we’re talking years ago now. We had an aquarium at the back of the store near the hunting and fishing department. Also have clothing, some fast food place (the Walmart I had just closed down their subway), electronics, paint, auto, landscaping/gardening, etc.

Sales tax generally varies between 0/10% depending on whee you are, but also what your buying can also effect that in some states some things are deemed essential and thus are not taxed the same and some items may be deemed luxaries and will be taxed higher.

The one thing everyone needs to understand is, that only 1/4 of Walmart is groceries. And with the tires, they have a service shop to work on your car. Replace tires, tune ups, batteries, repairs. I would never use Walmart for that, but they have it. They also have a garden center/nursery. This is why it SEEMS big. It’s a one stop shop all kind of place. We still have regular sized grocery stores like Kroger and Giant Eagle. They just sell groceries and greeting cards.

If I remember correctly eggs in the UK are cleaned and processed differently compared to eggs in the US. There are different benefits and setbacks to both methods but that’s basically why UK eggs don’t need to be refrigerated but US eggs do.

This is one of Lost in the Pond's sloppier videos. He doesn't represent sales tax correctly (most groceries aren't taxed), Walmart isn't even a prototypical grocery store. It's a clothing store, a hardware store, an electronics store, grocery store and more all in one. Many have a McDonald's at the entrance. You'll also find hair and nail salons and an optometrist at many in the front. Designated a super store, it's basically a mall of low-end merchandise. They do have separate stores called WalMart Neighborhood Market, which is much more like a typical grocery store/supermarket.

Years ago Walmart didn’t sell groceries but that changed when it adopted the superstore concept. So, yes, its possible to buy car parts, prescription meds, camping equipment (everything from tents to guns), electronics, etc. in addition to food items. In response, many of the standard grocery chains such as Kroger (the largest traditional grocer in the U.S.) have started selling non-food items. While the variety doesn’t begin to match Walmart’s, I think that it’s only a matter of time. The sales tax rate is 6% in West Virginia but the rates vary because of state and local laws. However, just like most states, WV does not tax food or prescription meds. In addition, prior to the start of each school year, WV suspends the sales tax on all items, including clothing, that a child will need when returning to school.

Its because Walkers was actually the leading brand of chips/crisps in the UK but when Pepsico bought it out they kept the name Walkers to keep the customers. Marketing

Sales tax can vary from area to area, and some products are not taxed at all. Two states in the US have no sales taxes at all: New Hampshire and Oregon. The highest tax I have seen is 10% in Chicago. Where I grew up in NY it was over 8.5% while other areas like NYC were like 9%. In my new state of Florida it is about 7% almost everywhere except Miami and the surrounding areas. Sales taxes are not imposed by the federal government and in fact, the federal government cannot collect sales taxes unless it is on federal land. States, counties and towns create their own sales taxes by usually public vote. If someone created sales taxes as high as the VAT in Europe, every business would fail in that area because the public would not allow it. No one would shop in that area.

Another super vid from you and Lawrence. Yeah, I don't get the term grocery store. It's Super Market round the globe. Whilst at grad school in France, they are called Super Mar-shay, the French version of super market. Also, I've never been is a Wal-Mart, and do not plan to, as I protest that firm's villainy. Also, loved the reference to Wal-Mart in the 2005 film Idiocracy. Ah, another thing, in the USA they call everything a store. They never say shop. You know, like, 'I'm off to the shops.'

Ok, wait...walmart was a department store first, then added a grocery store as another department. The whole building is not the grocery store. To me, a grocery store is smaller store with fewer options, while a supermarket is LOADED foods, brands, types of items, etc. When I was 16 I worked at the local grocery store, which was about the size of a large garage, and only had 2 checkouts. I went to Australia and most of them were grocery stores, like IGA. (Not a negative, by the way.) Frozen foods had about 2 entree brands, and the dairy aisle was small. As a matter of fact, you can sometimes find 2 different grocery stores at the same mall...yes...mall. It's hard to say about brand names between the countries. Companies like Frito-Lays buy out smaller brands but keep the name going.

As far as sales tax many states don't tax groceries and those that do usually have lower rate than regular sales tax. I live in Tennessee where the regular sales tax is 9.75%( 7% state and 2.75% county ) but groceries are 6.75%( 4% state and 2.75% county ). My son lives in KY where groceries are exempt from sales tax and his regular sales tax is just 6%. What non-Americans need to understand if say McDonald's wants to have a 2 Big Macs for $5 deal nationwide that would be impossible to do if you had to include the sales tax since there could literally be hundreds of different prices. There are exceptions, gas stations include all the taxes in the price per gallon and movie theaters usually include taxes in the ticket prices

Wal Mart is their own catagory . They were originally , and still are primarily a Department Store selling all types of merchandise . " Classic " Wal Marts will have a handful of isles of limited food selection . In recent years , some , but no means all , newer SuperCenters will have a full size grocery store in addition to a regular Wal Mart . ( Since it was brought up , all Wal Marts will have a couple aisles of " Automotive " with basic motor oil , filters , wiper blades , accessories , etc . Some WM will have a full auto service center selling tires , batteries , doing oil changes , etc . These will have a seperate entrance on the side of the building , with their own cash register ( aka checkout ).

Sales tax can range from 0% to 15%. So there is no federal sales tax but there are state, county, city, municipality ect tax and it can compound, like there could be a 2% state sales tax + 2% county sales tax + 1% city sales tax so you pay a total of 5% sales tax where that store is located. Also different types of items can have different taxes like there are extra taxes on gasoline, booze, tobacco ect.

Where I live in the southern US, my state's sales tax is 4%. But certain items are exempt from the state's sales tax altogether or have reduced tax (usually these are essentials). For example, groceries used to prepare your own food are exempt from my state's sales tax--but prepared food is not. However, then there is a 'local' sales tax (can be county or city) which can be up to 4% & items are not subject to the same exemptions as the state allows. So the highest the *total* sales tax that could be applied throughout my state is 8% (state tax = 4% + max local tax allowed = 4%). But it will vary as you move around within the state. It's all very confusing & nobody really understands it. Seriously. You just know that there will probably be *some* sales tax & budget a little extra for it (like 10% to be safe & bc it's easy to calculate in your head).

Where I live in NY the sales tax is 8% but it varies from county to county and state to state There is no tax on food, unless it's prepared (hot) food. Most other things are taxed

Tax varies so much that there is no range we can give you. There is federal, state, county, and township taxes that may be applied to anything you purchase, and may apply to some things and not others. It is because of national level marketing efforts that taxes are not traditionally added to prices, as it varies too widely to be predictable on a national level, with the exception of groceries (which are almost never taxed). In general, taxes don't go above 20%, and are usually less, but again it varies very widely. When thinking about the US and taxes, it is often best to treat the US as 50 separate countries instead of thinking it is one nation (only for tax purposes).

I follow Lost in the Pond too...loved him ! As for Walmart selling car parts, yes some of them ,but not all,have an auto parts section where you can get tires, batteries, and things like that. They can even have a garage attached to install them...but I don't think there are many of those nowadays. There will be a gas (or petrol) station near by also. Some are "neighborhood market place", a few "mini marts" but most tend to fall into the category of "super store". They will indeed be huge, carry clothing,groceries, auto, garden and home supplies as well as hair salons, eye care and pharmacies.

Sales tax range from 7 to 15% depending on what state you live

American superstores have groceries, hygiene products, beauty supplies, auto supplies and parts, electronics, office supplies, clothing department, jewelry, seasonal isle (has holiday supplies in it), cards, gift cards, home decor, home supplies ( like pots and pans,entertainment stands, book cases, etc), garden section with outdoor living supplies, toy department, pet department, shoe department, paint department, home improvement supplies, bakery, deli, post office, some sort of restaurant ( like a subway or McDonald's), hair and nail salon.

Walmart does car repairs. The Auto department has it’s own door. If you buy tires you are allowed to go through the automotive door to put in or on you car. Our sales tax is according to which state and county you are in. Some of our states like Florida does not charge a sales tax. I don’t think anyone is charges more than 10%, yet. We also have a luxury tax in addition to the sales tax on certain things. 😊

If and when you do come back over to see what our supermarkets is like her in America, you must go to Wegmans. The are a very popular supermarket in the Northeastern United States. That supermarket will blow your mind on how fresh everything is there.

Yes, you can buy auto parts in Walmart. Not every auto part for every car on the road but there is a lot you can get. You can also get camping and hunting gear, paint, gardening and patio supplies, books, electronics, clothes, crafting supplies, sewing fabrics as well as sewing machines, furniture, bedding, towels, home decor, kitchen supplies and small appliances, power and hand tools. Etcetera.

Sales tax varies from not just state to state, but even city to city, even from zip code to zip code. I went to a McDonalds near my house and paid $7.08 for a breakfast meal. I went to another McDonalds 5 miles away, and paid $6.51 for the exact same meal.

1. Wal-Mart and Target are department stores, not supermarkets. In the past decade or so, they've been expanding their reach by adding a groceries section, in order to be even more of a one-stop shop. 2. We absolutely call them supermarkets as well, I'd say interchangeably with grocery store. These used to be very regional, but in the past thirty years there has been a lot of consolidation, although the local names are often kept for the sake of continuity. Growing up in New York, I went to Shop-Rite, Pathmark, Waldbaum's, A&P, and Grand Union. In California, I have Safeway, Lucky's, Raley's, Grocery Outlet, and Smart & Final, to name just a few. Most are pretty huge, of course, with the suburban locations tending to dwarf those in the big cities. 3. Sales tax is not only individual by state, but every county within also has the (frequently exercised) option to add to the sales tax.

Our sales tax is typically collected and used by city, county, and state governments and can fluctuate year to year and averages 5%-15% of your purchase depending on what you are buying. Vice items like alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana usually have the highest taxes which is commonly referred to as a "sin tax". Some places, like my state of New Mexico, don't have any sales tax on food you buy at a grocery store...but you will get charged tax on food you get in a restaurant or fast food place. We figure everyone needs to eat so we're not gonna make basic food any more expensive than it's base cost. Since the taxes can vary so widely and change so regularly, it makes sense that a company would only make one base price tag for items which they then ship to stores all over the country. It would be a logistical nightmare to create different price tags for every single different city in the country. The cash registers in stores are hooked up to the internet and get regular updates to current tax law for your area so they charge to correct tax.

I love when the episode is you AND Lawrence. Just brilliant!

It's trademark. Great example is back in the 60's, Ford started selling the Mustang in Europe... except Germany, where they called it the T5. Why? Because Mustang was, if I recall correctly, a small tractor already.

Kentucky has a 6% sales tax on most things sold. Food item are not taxed in grocery stores. However, I think it's an 8% tax for take out, with an extra charge for dine in at restaurants.

In brooklyn small stores selling basic food and drinks are grocery stores and the large chain stores supermarkets

Most grocery stores you want to shop around the outside for the healthiest options. The aisles contain all the packaged junk.

Some areas have no sales tax, but the places that do usually are between 5% on the low end but closer to 8-10% more commonly. And I'm so glad it isn't calculated into the shelf price so every time we make a purpose we're reminded of the taxes you're paying rather than something 'hidden' from the citizenry in a weird way. I'unno. Just a preference, really.

Regarding sales tax, each state is different. My state, Delaware, has no sales tax. We are 30 minutes away from New Jersey (I think 6%), Pennsylvania (also 6% I think) and Maryland which used to be 5%. So, Delaware merchants do well on business from out-of-staters. I was an accountant for contractors and it was crazy ordering materials. If they are delivered to a Delaware job from another state, no tax. If picked up, pay the applicable state's tax. Had to check all the invoices carefully. I'm not even going to try to explain payroll taxes by state, city or municipalities. Very glad to be retired. And, if they are union workers, operators get different rates running different machines and then the different union dues, etc.