The British chain stores Boots, John Menzies and Currys began selling the ZX81 as soon as Smith's exclusive distribution deal expired and a number of companies secured overseas distribution rights for the ZX81, which was being sold in 18 countries by March 1982.
As cadeas de tendas británicas Boots, John Menzies e os Currys comezaron a vender o ZX81 tan logo o contrato de distribución exclusiva da Smith's concluíu e un número de empresas asegurou dereitos de distribución ultramarina para o ZX81, o cal era vendido en 18 países no mes de marzo de 1982.