Media Markt UK in 2026: Why It Still Isn’t Here (and What Brits Miss)
Once again, Media Markt UK is trending — and once again, nothing has launched. No stores, no splashy announcement, no soft opening hidden in plain sight.
In 2026, the question isn’t whether Brits want the electronics giant, but why it still hasn’t crossed the Channel. The answer says as much about the UK retail market as it does about Media Markt itself.
And every year, the answer is the same.
In January 2026, Media Markt still does not operate in the United Kingdom.
That’s the surface-level truth. But it’s not the interesting one.
What Media Markt Actually Is (Beyond the Logo)
Most people think of Media Markt as “the European Currys.”
That comparison undersells it.
Founded in Munich in 1979, Media Markt grew into Europe’s largest consumer electronics retailer by doing something radical at the time: treating electronics like groceries. Huge warehouse-style stores. Aggressive pricing. Minimal theatre.
By 2026, Media Markt (together with sister brand Saturn) operates over 1,000 stores across 11 European countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland. Its parent company, Ceconomy AG, reported €22+ billion in annual revenue, with nearly 30% now coming from online sales.
In other words: this is not a struggling retailer waiting for the right moment.
The Assumption Brits Get Wrong
The common belief is simple:
“Media Markt hasn’t entered the UK yet.”
As if it’s late.
As if Britain is next on the list.
The reality is harsher — and more revealing.
Media Markt has repeatedly chosen not to enter the UK.
And that decision has only hardened since Brexit, rising commercial rents, and the collapse of several UK big-box retailers in the early 2020s.
Why Media Markt Still Isn’t in the UK (2026 Reality)
From the outside, the UK looks perfect: tech-hungry consumers, dense cities, strong logistics.
From the inside, it’s one of Europe’s hardest electronics markets to crack.
1. Market saturation
Currys dominates physical electronics retail, with over 300 UK stores and deep supplier relationships. Amazon controls price expectations online.
2. Cost structure mismatch
Media Markt’s model relies on massive floor space and razor-thin margins. UK commercial rents, business rates, and labour costs make that model far riskier than in Germany or Spain.
3. Strategic focus elsewhere
Since 2024, Media Markt has doubled down on marketplace expansion, services, and omnichannel logistics across mainland Europe — where it already has scale.
“But Didn’t Media Markt Buy Into Currys?”
This rumour refuses to disappear.
In the mid‑2010s, Media Markt’s parent company explored minority investments across Europe — including informal strategic links with UK retailers.
But as of 2026, Media Markt does not own Currys, does not operate UK stores under another name, and has made no public announcement about UK entry.
Instead, its biggest move has been elsewhere: in 2025, Chinese e‑commerce giant JD.com agreed to acquire a major stake in Ceconomy, reinforcing Media Markt’s focus on logistics, data, and continental scale — not British high streets.
The Closest Alternatives for UK Shoppers
If Media Markt opened tomorrow, it would compete here:
Currys
The nearest equivalent. Large stores, wide product range, price matching, finance options. Typical laptop prices range from £399 entry-level to £1,299 premium, with stores usually open 9am–8pm.
Amazon UK
Unmatched selection and logistics. Prime delivery as fast as same-day in London. Returns within 30 days on most electronics.
AO & Ebuyer
Pure-play online specialists focusing on appliances and components. Delivery typically next working day, with prices often undercutting high-street stores by £20–£50 per item.
Could Media Markt Ever Come to the UK?
Never say never.
But if it happens, it won’t look like the Media Markt you see on holiday in Berlin or Barcelona.
A UK entry would almost certainly be online-first, marketplace-driven, and heavily integrated with third-party sellers — not a sudden wave of megastores.
For now, the signal is clear: Media Markt doesn’t need Britain to grow.
And that’s the part most UK shoppers don’t realise.
When you search “Media Markt UK,” you’re not late.
You’re standing outside a door that was deliberately never opened.