{{short description|British supermarket chain}} {{About|the British supermarket chain|other uses|Asda (disambiguation)}} {{Use British English|date=January 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox company | name = Asda Stores Limited | logo = Asda logo.svg | logo_caption = Logo used since 2002 | area_served = United Kingdom | image = Asda House, Leeds (19th July 2014) 001.JPG{{!}}border | image_caption = Asda House in Leeds, the supermarket's headquarters | trade_name = Asda | industry = Retail | former_name = {{Ubl | Associated Dairies & Farm Stores (Leeds) Limited<ref>{{cite web |date=19 February 1949 |title=Incorporation |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00464777/filing-history/MzAzNDgzMzZhZGlxemtjeA/document?format=pdf&download=0 |access-date=30 August 2023 |website=Companies House}}</ref> | Associated Dairies Limited<ref name="CompaniesHouse">{{cite web |title=Asda Stores Limited overview – Find and update company information |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00464777 |access-date=30 August 2023 |website=Companies House |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830142807/https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00464777 |url-status=live }}</ref> }} | type = Private | founded = {{Unbulleted list| {{Start date and age|1949|2|19|df=yes}} (as Associated Dairies)<ref name="CompaniesHouse" /> in Knottingley, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
|{{Start date and age|1965|5|3|df=y}} (as Asda)<ref name="Corporate">{{cite web |url=https://corporate.asda.com/our-story/our-history |title=Our History – ASDA Corporate |work=Corporate |publisher=Corporate.asda.com |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716121909/https://corporate.asda.com/our-story/our-history |url-status=live }}</ref> }} | founders = {{Ubl | Peter Asquith<ref name="Corporate"/> | Fred Asquith<ref name="Corporate"/> | Sir Noel Stockdale<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1453806/Sir-Noel-Stockdale.html | url-access = subscription |title=Sir Noel Stockdale |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=9 February 2004 |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018161122/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1453806/Sir-Noel-Stockdale.html |url-status=live }}</ref> }} | hq_location = Leeds, West Yorkshire, England | num_locations = 1,106 (2025)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://storelocator.asda.com/directory|access-date=13 February 2025|title=Store Locator|publisher=ASDA Group Limited|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211092627/https://storelocator.asda.com/directory|url-status=live}}</ref> | key_people = Allan Leighton (chairman) | products = {{Ubl | Grocery | General merchandise | Financial services }} | revenue = {{increase}} £21.9 billion (excluding fuel, 2023)<ref name="proa-afr23">{{cite news |title=Debt-laden Asda publishes delayed financials |url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1045772/debt-laden-asda-publishes-delayed-financials-1045772.html |access-date=6 January 2025 |work=Proactiveinvestors UK |date=22 April 2024}}</ref> | operating_income = {{increase}} >£1 billion (2023)<ref name="proa-afr23"/> | services = {{Ubl | Asda Living | Asda Mobile | Asda Money | Asda Rewards | George }} | num_employees = 145,000 (2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.asda.com/our-story/company-facts|title=Asda Stores Ltd, Company facts|work=Corporate |publisher=ASDA Stores Limited|date=25 April 2022|access-date=29 March 2018|archive-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528215835/https://corporate.asda.com/our-story/company-facts|url-status=live}}</ref> | owner = {{Ubl | TDR Capital (67.5%) | Mohsin Issa (22.5%) | Walmart (10%) }} | divisions = {{Ubl | Asda Living }} | subsidiaries = {{Ubl | Asda Mobile | Asda Money }} | website = {{URL|https://asda.com}} }} [[File:Asda House, Leeds (19th July 2014) 003.JPG|thumb|A bust of co-founder Peter Asquith outside Asda House in Leeds]] '''Asda Stores Limited''' ({{IPAc-en|'|æ|z|d|ə}}), trading as '''Asda''' and stylised as '''ASDA''', is a British supermarket and petrol station chain. Its headquarters is located in Leeds, England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://your.asda.com/section-contact-asda |title=Contact the right service team |publisher=Asda |access-date=20 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722100737/http://your.asda.com/section-contact-asda |archive-date=22 July 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The company was incorporated as Associated Dairies and Farm Stores in 1949. It expanded into Southern England during the 1970s and 1980s, and acquired Allied Carpets, 61 large Gateway Supermarkets and other businesses, such as MFI. It sold these acquisitions during the 1990s to concentrate on the supermarkets. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange until 1999 when it was acquired by large American retailer Walmart for £6.7 billion. Asda was the second-largest supermarket chain in the United Kingdom between 2003 and 2014 by market share, at which point it fell into third place.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Mark |last1=Sweney |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/apr/02/sainsburys-asda-uk-supermarket-aldi-lidl |title=Sainsbury's falls behind Asda to become UK's third biggest supermarket chain |date=2 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=8 April 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331090640/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/apr/02/sainsburys-asda-uk-supermarket-aldi-lidl |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ASDA Second">{{cite news |title=Market share of grocery stores in Great Britain for the 12 weeks ending March 29, 2015 |work=Statista |url=http://www.statista.com/statistics/279900/grocery-market-share-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117022207/http://www.statista.com/statistics/279900/grocery-market-share-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 January 2014 }}</ref> As of December 2025, its market share in the UK is 11.4 per cent.<ref name="Simpson">{{cite news |last=Simpson |first=Emma |title=Asda has lost its mojo and has a big fight to get it back |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd0yrrr1ryvo |access-date=1 February 2026 |publisher=BBC |date=1 February 2026}}</ref>
Besides its core supermarkets, the company also acts as a white label payment card provider offering assistance for insurance and payment services under the Asda Money brand and also has a mobile virtual network operator.
In February 2021, the Issa brothers and TDR Capital acquired Asda, with Walmart retaining "an equity investment" in Asda, a seat on the board and "an ongoing commercial relationship".<ref name="walmart.com">{{cite web|title=Issa Brothers and TDR Capital Complete the Acquisition of Asda from Walmart|url=https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2021/02/16/issa-brothers-and-tdr-capital-complete-the-acquisition-of-asda-from-walmart|url-status=live|access-date=6 April 2021|website=corporate.walmart.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216224431/https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2021/02/16/issa-brothers-and-tdr-capital-complete-the-acquisition-of-asda-from-walmart |archive-date=16 February 2021 }}</ref> The deal came after a merger with Sainsbury's was rejected by the Competition and Markets Authority in April 2019.<ref name=issa2>{{cite news | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/leisure-retail/issa-brothers-and-tdr-capital-asda-b920013.html | title=Issa brothers and TDR Capital complete purchase of supermarket chain Asda | first=Joanna | last=Bourke | work=Evening Standard | date=17 February 2021 | access-date=19 February 2021 | archive-date=18 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018155619/https://www.standard.co.uk/business/leisure-retail/issa-brothers-and-tdr-capital-asda-b920013.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=issa>{{cite news | url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/issa-brothers-complete-%C2%A36-8bn-acquisition-of-asda-from-walmart-9816775 | title=Issa brothers complete £6.8bn acquisition of Asda from Walmart | work=Business Insider | date=16 February 2021 | access-date=19 February 2021 | archive-date=23 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123171721/https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/issa-brothers-complete-%C2%A36-8bn-acquisition-of-asda-from-walmart-9816775 | url-status=dead }}</ref> TDR Capital became the majority owner of Asda in November 2024 after buying Zuber Issa's 22.5 per cent holding, owning 67.5% of the company;<ref name="stake">{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/asda-co-owner-zuber-issa-sells-his-stake-to-private-equity-company-tdr-capital-13149376|title=Asda co-owner Zuber Issa sells his stake to private equity company TDR Capital|work=Sky News|date=7 June 2024|access-date=7 June 2024|archive-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607152450/https://news.sky.com/story/asda-co-owner-zuber-issa-sells-his-stake-to-private-equity-company-tdr-capital-13149376|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Purchase">{{cite news|title=Asda announces the completion of TDR Capital's purchase of Zuber Issa's shares |url=https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2024/11/01/asda-announces-the-completion-of-tdr-capitals-purchase-of-zuber-issas-shares |date=1 November 2024 |website=Corporate }}</ref> Mohsin Issa owns a 22.5% stake but discontinued running the company in September 2024.<ref name=butler>{{cite news| last=Butler | first=Sarah | title=Tesco, Sainsbury's and M&S shares take £3.5bn hit amid Asda price war fears |newspaper=The Guardian | date=17 March 2025 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/17/tesco-sainsburys-m-and-s-shares-asda-price-war-fears}}</ref>
==History== ===Early years=== The Asquith family were butchers based in Knottingley, West Yorkshire. In the 1920s, they expanded their business to seven butcher shops in the area. Their sons, Peter and Fred, later became founding members of Asda.<ref name=asquith>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/obituaries/peter-asquith-1-2503706|title=Obituary: Peter Asquith|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|date=14 June 2008|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502180923/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/obituaries/peter-asquith-1-2503706|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Around the same time, a group of West Riding dairy farmers, including the Stockdale family and Craven Dairies, joined under the banner of J. W. Hindell Dairy Farmers Ltd. The company diversified in 1949 to become Associated Dairies and Farm Stores Ltd, with Arthur Stockdale as the managing director.<ref name=noel>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1453806/Sir-Noel-Stockdale.html | url-access = subscription|title=Obituary: Sir Noel Stockdale|date=9 February 2004|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=18 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018161122/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1453806/Sir-Noel-Stockdale.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===1960s and 1970s=== thumb|Asda logo used from 1970 to 1978 In 1963, the Asquith brothers converted an old cinema, the Queens in Castleford, into a self-service supermarket. Another followed in the old indoor market at Edlington. Both stores traded under the name of 'Queens'. Their next store was a purpose-built supermarket in South Elmsall.<ref name=asquith/>
In 1965, the Asquith brothers approached Associated Dairies to run the butchery departments within their small store chain. A merger was proposed and the Asquiths' business was joined with Noel Stockdale's to form a new company, Asda ('''As'''quith + '''Da'''iries) (capitalised from 1985).<ref name="Corporate"/><ref name=noel/>
By 1967, the company had set up a store in Billingham, County Durham. By 1969, Noel Stockdale bought out the Asquith brothers' stake and became chairman of the company.<ref name=noel/>
Asda took advantage of the abolition of retail price maintenance to offer large-scale, low-cost supermarkets. This was aided by the decision to acquire three struggling US-owned branches in the mid-1960s of the GEM retail group. The Government Exchange Mart stores in Preston, Lancashire, Cross Gates, Leeds and West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, had accumulated losses of £320,000 and offered to sell the stores for 20% of whatever Asda could recoup as losses from the Inland Revenue. They received the whole amount back. The rent was only 10 shillings (50p) per square foot on a 20-year lease, with no rent reviews, Asda increased GEM's £6,000 per week sales to around £60,000 per week in just six months with the new stores named as Asda.<ref name="outoftown">{{cite news |last=Kelly |first=Jon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23900465 |title=How first out-of-town superstore changed the UK |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=3 September 2013 |access-date=3 September 2013 |archive-date=4 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904233113/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23900465 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://your.asda.com/about-asda/the-history-of-asda |title=Asda through the years |access-date=24 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422102646/http://your.asda.com/about-asda/the-history-of-asda |archive-date=22 April 2015 }}</ref>
During the 1970s, with over 30 stores in the north of England, Asda began expanding south, with the opening of new stores in the Estover area of Plymouth, Devon and Gosport, Hampshire in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://christchurchgosport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/christ_church_history.pdf|title=Christ Church, Gosport: A history|page=22|year=2009|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502183737/https://christchurchgosport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/christ_church_history.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1978, Asda acquired Allied Carpets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/aug/29/highstreetretailers.observerbusiness|title=Trapped in a shag pile time warp|date=29 August 1999|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502185235/https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/aug/29/highstreetretailers.observerbusiness|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1982, the first London store opened in Park Royal, near Ealing. The Isle of Dogs and Charlton, London stores followed on rapidly thereafter.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://charltonchampion.co.uk/2016/02/18/goodbye-asda-hello-housing-new-greenwich-council-consultation-offers-clues-to-charlton-riverside-plans/ | title=Goodbye Asda, hello housing? New Greenwich Council consultation offers clues to Charlton Riverside plans | date=18 February 2016 | publisher=Charlton Champion | access-date=2 May 2019 | archive-date=2 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502190425/https://charltonchampion.co.uk/2016/02/18/goodbye-asda-hello-housing-new-greenwich-council-consultation-offers-clues-to-charlton-riverside-plans/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
===1980s and 1990s=== In 1984, managing director John Hardman made attempts to halt Asda's decline, which included the introduction of Asda branded products.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hardman's race to catch up Asda's rivals|work=The Herald|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11922353.hardmans-race-to-catch-up-asdas-rivals-goes-on-apace/|date=11 July 1989|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502190125/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11922353.hardmans-race-to-catch-up-asdas-rivals-goes-on-apace/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1985, Asda merged with MFI (Mullard Furniture Industries) and the group was renamed Asda-MFI Group plc.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4649684/40-years-of-MFI.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4649684/40-years-of-MFI.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=40 years of MFI| date=22 September 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2 May 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Asda established its headquarters at "Asda House". The site was officially opened in 1988 by the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/107408 |title=Remarks visiting ASDA HQ ("we can make the best things in Britain") |publisher=Margaret Thatcher |date=7 December 1988 |access-date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502192004/https://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/107408 |url-status=live }}</ref>
By the end of the 1990s, the 'Asdale'-named clothing range was replaced by the clothing ranges from the newly formed George Davies partnership with Asda.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/george-surprises-asda-departure/12239 | title=George surprises Asda with departure | date=10 November 2000 | work=Campaign | access-date=2 May 2019 | archive-date=29 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729172325/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/george-surprises-asda-departure/12239 | url-status=live }}</ref>
====Near bankruptcy and merger prospects==== thumb|Asda logo used from 1994 to 2002 With stores mainly based in the North of England, the newly focused food retail group expanded further south in 1989 by purchasing the large format stores of rival Gateway Superstores for £705 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/retailing-giant-that-began-life-down-on-the-farm-1816367|title=Retailing giant that began life down on the farm|date=16 July 2015|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|access-date=26 November 2025}}</ref> The move left the company overstretched as a result, and by 1991, it found itself in serious financial trouble with over £1 billion of debt; compounding the situation further was a declining customer base, which was mainly caused by Asda's focus on moving upmarket resulting in prices rising to levels significantly higher than competitors.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/uk-asdas-open-plan/article/410110 | title=UK: ASDA'S OPEN PLAN | first=Anita | last=van de Vliet | work=Management Today | url-access=subscription | access-date=19 February 2021 | archive-date=7 March 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307063109/https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/uk-asdas-open-plan/article/410110 | url-status=live }}</ref>
The company's first response was to change its management; chairman John Hardman was ousted in June 1991 and was replaced by Patrick Gillam, and Archie Norman was appointed chief executive in October.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/normans-conquest/|title=Norman's Conquest|date=28 June 1996|access-date=26 November 2025}}</ref> Asda then completed a rights issue in November 1991 that raised £357 million and cut the company's debts to £668 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/asda-rights-wins-city-s-approval-1481474.html|title=Asda rights wins City's approval|newspaper=The Independent|date=29 January 1993|access-date=26 November 2025}}</ref> Underperforming stores were initially converted to a new discount format called "Dales"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ui.assets-asda.com/dm/asdagroceries/6.14a,%20New%20Dales%20Format,%201992?wid=1432&fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=60&cacheBust=2024-06-01 |title=New Dales Format |access-date=1 June 2024 |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605171546/https://ui.assets-asda.com/dm/asdagroceries/6.14a,%20New%20Dales%20Format,%201992?wid=1432&fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=60&cacheBust=2024-06-01 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/asda-rights-wins-city-s-approval-1481474.html#:~:text=Conversion%20of%20four%20underperforming%20Asda%20stores%20into%20the%20Dales%20discount%20format%20had%20boosted%20sales%20by%2050%20per%20cent%20and%20increased%20customers%20by%2025%20per%20cent |title=Asda rights wins City's approval |date=29 January 1993 |work=The Independent |access-date=1 June 2024 |archive-date=1 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601153028/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/asda-rights-wins-city-s-approval-1481474.html#:~:text=Conversion%20of%20four%20underperforming%20Asda%20stores%20into%20the%20Dales%20discount%20format%20had%20boosted%20sales%20by%2050%20per%20cent%20and%20increased%20customers%20by%2025%20per%20cent |url-status=live }}</ref> but this had been scrapped by 1998. In 1993, Asda completed a second rights issue that raised a further £347 million<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/asda-rights-wins-city-s-approval-1481474.html |title=Asda rights wins City's approval |date=29 January 1993 |work=The Independent |access-date=1 June 2024 |archive-date=1 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601153028/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/asda-rights-wins-city-s-approval-1481474.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and began selling off some of its assets; some stores were sold to competitors, and the Allied Carpets chain was sold to Carpetland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/asda-passes-allied-to-carpetland-supermarket-group-pays-more-than-pounds-18m-to-be-rid-of-carpet-stores-maples-sale-close-1465249.html |title=Asda passes Allied to Carpetland: Supermarket group pays more than pounds 18m to be rid of carpet stores Maples sale close |date=4 December 1993 |work=The Independent}}</ref> By 1995, the company had returned to profitability and had virtually wiped out its debt – this is cited as one of the most successful turnarounds in British retail history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asda Group Plc |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/asda-group-plc |website=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=16 June 2020 |archive-date=16 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616203322/https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/asda-group-plc |url-status=live }}</ref>
Norman succeeded Gillam as chairman upon the latter's retirement in 1996, appointing then-deputy Allan Leighton as chief executive, and began to remodel Asda's stores along the lines of Walmart, the world's largest retailer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/press_release/0,1014,cid%253D196099,00.html|title=Global powers of retail report – wal mart remains world's largest global retailer|website=Deloitte & Touche|access-date=7 October 2008}}{{Dead link|date=January 2014}}</ref> Leighton travelled to Bentonville, Arkansas, to assess and photograph the systems and marketing deployed by Walmart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/mt-interview-allan-leighton/article/492063 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205095240/http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/search/article/492390/mt-interview-allan-leighton/ |url-status=live |archive-date=5 December 2008 |title=The MT interview: Allan Leighton | first=Chris |last=Blackhurst | website=Management Today |date=25 August 2005 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 1998, following the Walmart model, Asda began opening larger 'Hypermarket' (later 'Supercentre') stores as well as introducing pharmacies and cafes to its stores. At the same time, merger discussions were taking place between Asda and other retailers such as Safeway and Kingfisher plc; both collapsed without an agreement being reached, but in 1999, a second round of discussions with Kingfisher later reached an agreement for a £5.4 billion merger that would have both created the United Kingdom's largest multi-category retailer and enabled Asda to begin operating stores throughout Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/asda-kingfisher-multi-billion-pound-merger/42283 |title=Asda and Kingfisher in multi-billion pound merger |date=16 April 1999 |work=Campaign Live |access-date=2 October 2020 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407220823/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/asda-kingfisher-multi-billion-pound-merger/42283 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===2000s and 2010s: Walmart years=== thumb|Interior of an Asda supermarket in 2003 A merger deal was abandoned when Walmart outbid Kingfisher to purchase Asda for £6.7 billion, which was completed on 26 July 1999<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/368430.stm | work=BBC News | title=Wal-Mart bids for Asda | date=14 June 1999 | access-date=3 September 2013 | archive-date=8 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308053412/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/368430.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> in a move that was initially speculated by British media outlets as a potential corporate raid.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wal-Mart says 'no' to UK |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/331072.stm |work=BBC News |date=29 April 1999 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814045940/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/331072.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> As Walmart were keen on entering the British market,<ref>{{cite news |title=The secret of Wal-Mart's success |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/325922.stm |work=BBC News |date=14 June 1999 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814061935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/325922.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Bob Martin, Walmart's president of international operations, lobbied Prime Minister Tony Blair on planning issues.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2783372/Wal-Mart-did-lobby-Blair-over-Asda.html | url-access = subscription |title=Wal-Mart did lobby Blair over Asda |work=The Daily Telegraph | date=28 January 2008| access-date=9 October 2008| location=London| first1=Christopher| last1=Hope| first2=James| last2=Hall| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081009042425/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2783372/Wal-Mart-did-lobby-Blair-over-Asda.html| archive-date= 9 October 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
In 2005, amid reported concerns within Walmart about a slippage in market share, partially due to a resurgent Sainsbury's, Asda's chief executive, Tony De Nunzio left, and was replaced by Andy Bond. In 2005, Asda expanded into Northern Ireland by purchasing 12 former Safeway stores from Morrisons.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/41262/asda-acquires-12-ni-safeway-stores |title=Asda acquires 12 NI Safeway stores |website=Northern Ireland News |date=6 June 2005 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731110830/https://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/41262/asda-acquires-12-ni-safeway-stores |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businesspost.ie/legacy/asda-eyes-up-the-republic-c1e03c31 |title=Asda eyes up the Republic | first=Ian | last=Kehoe | work=Business Post | date=11 June 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418152940/http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2005/06/12/story5576.asp |archive-date=18 April 2009}}</ref>
In December 2007, Asda, Sainsbury's and various other retailers and dairy firms admitted to the price fixing of dairy products between 2002 and 2003.<ref name="milk">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7132108.stm |title=Supermarkets admit milk price fix |work=BBC News |date=7 December 2007 |access-date=3 September 2013 |archive-date=19 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219132157/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7132108.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The price operation was calculated to have cost consumers around £270 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dairy Price Fixing Firms Fined Millions|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Asda-and-Sainsburys-Fined-Over-Dairy-Price-Fixing/Article/20071211296071?lid=ARTICLE_1296071_Asda%20and%20Sainsbury's%20Fined%20Over%20Dairy%20Price%20Fixing&lpos=Business_0|date=7 December 2007|work=Sky News|access-date=3 September 2013}}</ref> Asda commented, "Everyone at Asda regrets what happened, particularly as we are passionate about lowering prices. Our intention was to provide more money for dairy farmers, who were under severe financial pressure at the time."<ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=James |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7132108.stm |title=Supermarkets admit milk price fix |work=BBC News |date=7 December 2007 |access-date=8 October 2014 |archive-date=19 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219132157/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7132108.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In total, Asda was fined £18.21 million by the Office of Fair Trading for its part in the cartel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/89-11 |title=OFT fines certain supermarkets and processors almost £50 million in dairy decision – The Office of Fair Trading |publisher=Oft.gov.uk |date=10 August 2011 |access-date=3 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819154929/http://oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/89-11 |archive-date=19 August 2013 }}</ref> [[File:Holtparkasdaleedsreload.jpg|thumb|A smaller, older Asda supermarket in Holt Park, Leeds in 2008. The store has since been reclad.]] Asda's property development arm, Gazeley Limited, was sold to Economic Zones World (EZW), a Dubai World subsidiary, in June 2008 for in excess of £300 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.propertyweek.com/news/dubai-world-buys-gazeley/3115513.article |title=Dubai World buys Gazeley |first=Jennifer |last=Rigby |website=Property Week |date=10 June 2008 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731175624/https://www.propertyweek.com/news/dubai-world-buys-gazeley/3115513.article |url-status=live }}</ref>
In November 2008, there were reports that Asda was to buy Irish retailer Dunnes Stores.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/business/dunnes-urged-to-clarify-rumours-of-asda-takeover-26489747.html | title=Dunnes urged to clarify rumours of Asda takeover | work=Irish Independent | date=4 November 2008 | access-date=19 February 2021 | archive-date=29 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729172500/https://www.independent.ie/business/dunnes-urged-to-clarify-rumours-of-asda-takeover-26489747.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
In August 2009, Walmart sold Asda for £6.9 billion to its Leeds-based investment subsidiary Corinth Services Limited.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tyler |first=Richard |date=8 November 2009 |title=Wal-Mart 'sells' Asda for £6.9bn in group restructuring |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/6527054/Wal-Mart-sells-Asda-for-6.9bn-in-group-restructuring.html | url-access = subscription |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111001953/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/6527054/Wal-Mart-sells-Asda-for-6.9bn-in-group-restructuring.html |archive-date=11 November 2009}}</ref> The deal was described as part of a "group restructuring" and meant that Asda remained under the control of Walmart.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 November 2009 |title=Asda posts flat profits and is 'sold' in internal Walmart deal |url=http://www.retail-week.com/city/trading-update/asda-posts-flat-profits-and-is-sold-in-internal-walmart-deal/5007872.article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112134131/http://www.retail-week.com/city/trading-update/asda-posts-flat-profits-and-is-sold-in-internal-walmart-deal/5007872.article |archive-date=12 November 2009 |access-date=11 November 2009 |website=Retail Week |publisher=Emap Ltd}}</ref>
===Advertising issues=== In 2009, the ASA challenged whether a press ad which showed a large green arrow bearing down on a smaller yellow arrow with a crumpled tip and "Asda 2955 products cheaper" should set out how the general price claims made in the ads could be verified by consumers. Because it was not possible for consumers or competitors to check the products and prices used in the comparison using mySupermarket.co.uk, and because the ads did not set out how consumers and competitors could check that information for themselves, the ASA concluded that the ads did not satisfy the criterion of verifiability as defined in the 2006 European Court of Justice ruling, and were therefore in breach of the advertising codes.<ref name="ASA Ruling" /> The ASA ruled that, due to the significant limitations and qualifications to the basis of the price comparison which were not included in the ad, or in the terms and conditions on Asda's website, the approach taken in making the comparisons was unfair and misleading.<ref name="ASA Ruling" />
In 2009, the ASA ruled that an advert for a proposed development in New Barnet was misleading, because it compared the floorspace of the development with the floorspace and additional buildings of a Sainsbury's store and with an unapproved Tesco plan.<ref name="ASA Ruling" />
In 2010, a national press ad for Asda on a double-page spread was headed "The big Asda Rollback" with headings stating "Lower prices on everything you buy, week in week out" with equal prominence to a column headed "Lower prices than any other supermarket"; that the arrows underneath the heading "Lower prices than any other supermarket" compared prices at Asda with prices at Sainsbury's, Tesco and Morrisons. The ASA ruled that in the context in which it appeared, it was ambiguous in that it could be interpreted either as referring to price reductions that had taken place within Asda or to price comparisons with the named competitors. In addition, because the ad did not explain that the price reductions had not necessarily taken place in the week that immediately preceded the ad, they concluded that the headings which stated the number of price reductions that had taken place in each product category were misleading. The ASA also concluded that the "Lower prices than any other supermarket" claim in the advert was misleading.<ref name="ASA Ruling">{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2010/9/Asda-Stores-Ltd/TF_ADJ_49062.aspx|title=ASA Ruling on ASDA Stores Ltd|access-date=25 July 2015|archive-date=25 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725071805/https://www.asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2010/9/Asda-Stores-Ltd/TF_ADJ_49062.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The ASA disagreed, and referred to the claim "Everything is at least half price!" was likely to imply to viewers that all toys were included in the sale. As all toys were not included in the sale, and in the absence of a qualifying statement, the ad was misleading.<ref name="ASA Ruling" />
A press ad, which appeared on 26 September 2011, was headlined "Only one supermarket {{nobr|is ...}} always 10% cheaper or we'll give you the difference guaranteed". However, at the top of the ad there was a banner that contained the claims "SALE", "Half Price", "Price Drop", "50% off", "1/2 price", "cheap" and that part of the headline {{nobr|claim "... always}} 10% cheaper" appeared in bold text in the middle of the ad. The ASA considered the banner, together with the headline was likely to be interpreted by consumers as claims that referred to the price of Asda goods. Since consumers could interpret that claim as one which guaranteed to refund the difference, should Asda not be the lowest on price, the ASA considered the presence of the claim "only one supermarket is always 10% cheaper" could create the impression that Asda were always 10% cheaper and would be interpreted as a 'lowest price' claim. The ASA therefore concluded that the advert was misleading. It also noted the footnote explaining the APG contradicted Asda's absolute claim that they were always the lowest on price, and that the disclaimer was also misleading.<ref name="ASA Ruling" />
The ASA ruled in 2011 that a television advertisement and two national press ads did not give sufficient prominence to the fact that exclusions applied.<ref name="ASA Ruling" /> Another advertisement from Asda, in which it featured World Cup related products and an Asda price guarantee was misleading as the World Cup related products were exclusive to Asda and not, therefore, available at Morrisons, Tesco or Sainsbury's.<ref name="ASA Ruling" />
===Expansion=== In April 2010, Asda announced plans to open over 100 new non-food stores as part of an ambitious five-year plan. These plans were mothballed shortly after because of the recession and the reining in of spending by consumers on non-food purchases.<ref name="test">{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2010/04/asda-takes-aim-tesco-new-stores |title=Asda takes aim at Tesco with new stores | work=New Statesman | date=16 April 2010}}{{Dead link|date=March 2025}}</ref>
On 11 May 2010, Andy Clarke, the chief operating officer, was appointed as CEO.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7711304/Asda-promotes-Andy-Clarke-to-chief-executive.html | url-access = subscription |title=Asda promotes Andy Clarke to chief executive |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=11 May 2010 | first=James | last=Hall | date=11 May 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100514082258/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7711304/Asda-promotes-Andy-Clarke-to-chief-executive.html| archive-date= 14 May 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> In the same month Asda bought the original Netto UK supermarket chain in a £778 million deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/store-rebrand-brings-new-jobs-2693836|title=Store rebrand brings new jobs to Caernarfon|date=19 April 2013|work=Daily Post|access-date=16 October 2020|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129071739/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/store-rebrand-brings-new-jobs-2693836|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2011, Asda announced the purchase of six stores from Focus DIY; five of these were converted into supermarkets later that year.<ref name="retailgazette">{{cite news| url=http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/04434-asda-purchases-six-focus-diy-stores| work=Retail Gazette| date=27 May 2010| title=Asda purchases six Focus DIY stores| access-date=27 May 2010| archive-date=28 February 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228042328/http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/04434-asda-purchases-six-focus-diy-stores| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.everythingaberystwyth.co.uk/strict-planning-regulations-may-scuttle-asda-plans/ |title=Plans To Open Aberystwyth ADSA Dealt Blow By Council |work=Everything Aberystwyth |date=6 July 2011 |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227084826/http://www.everythingaberystwyth.co.uk/strict-planning-regulations-may-scuttle-asda-plans/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 16 April 2012, Asda launched their Android grocery shopping app and mobile website for non-grocery items with a plan to fully integrate mobile platforms into stores. The app allowed customers to create shopping lists and scan item barcodes for more information about them.<ref>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Rosie |date=16 April 2012 |title=Asda expands m-commerce platform|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/asda-expands-m-commerce-platform/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=Marketing Week |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204115907/https://www.marketingweek.com/asda-expands-m-commerce-platform/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In February 2013, DNA tests revealed that horsemeat was present in meat supplied by many UK suppliers. When Asda's Chosen By You fresh beef bolognese sauce was the first instance found, Asda said: "We are withdrawing the beef bolognese sauce from our shelves with immediate effect." Asda later stated they shared food shoppers' "anger and outrage".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/feb/14/horsemeat-beef-tests|title=Horsemeat found in 'fresh beef' as tests overwhelm laboratories|work=The Guardian|access-date=15 February 2013|location=London|first1=Damian|last1=Carrington|first2=James|last2=Meikle|first3=Simon|last3=Neville|date=14 February 2013|archive-date=25 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725105802/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/feb/14/horsemeat-beef-tests|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2013, Asda withdrew a "Tranny-saurus Rex" greeting card range from its shelves following complaints that it was offensive to the transgender community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/08/15/tranny-saurus-goes-extinct-asda-pulls-offensive-greeting-cards|title='Tranny-saurus' goes extinct as ASDA pulls offensive greeting cards|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722143830/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/08/15/tranny-saurus-goes-extinct-asda-pulls-offensive-greeting-cards|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/walmart-owned-supermarket-pulls-insensitive-tranny-sauraus-greeting-card-20130813|title=Walmart-Owned Supermarket Pulls Insensitive "Tranny-sauraus" Greeting Card|date=13 August 2013|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722143830/https://www.queerty.com/walmart-owned-supermarket-pulls-insensitive-tranny-sauraus-greeting-card-20130813|url-status=live}}</ref>
During Pride Month in June 2020, amidst the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASDA said on Twitter that its temporary LGBT Pride branding, including the use of the Rainbow Flag, was adopted in support of the NHS, and not in support of Pride. Asda later released a statement, stating that this previous tweet was an "honest mistake" and reiterated that these were indeed the "colours of the pride flag to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community".<ref>{{cite web |title=ASDA Service Team on X |url=https://x.com/AsdaServiceTeam/status/1268563473400844294 |access-date=23 July 2024 |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730043500/https://x.com/AsdaServiceTeam/status/1268563473400844294 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to QueerAF, Asda has been accused several times of homophobic and transphobic behaviour, with a notable "history of transphobia from the brand".<ref>{{cite web |date=27 July 2024 |title=Asda apologises for transphobic card, deadnaming and in-store incident |url=https://www.wearequeeraf.com/asda-apologises-for-transphobic-card-deadnaming-and-in-store-incident/ |access-date=27 July 2024 |website=QueerAF }}</ref> Asda has stated it supports LGBT Pride and a diverse workforce.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asdaforbusiness.co.uk/pride-month-supporting-your-lgbtq-employees/|title=Pride Month: supporting your LGBTQ+ employees|date=15 June 2022 |access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asda.com/creating-change-for-better/social/great-place-to-work/|title=Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI)|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120034110/https://www.asda.com/creating-change-for-better/social/great-place-to-work/|url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|Logo of Asda from 2015 In 2015, Asda adopted Walmart's slogan: "Save Money. Live Better". Around the same time they adopted an updated logo, with Walmart's yellow spark surrounding the first letter. The spark was later removed.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.marketingweek.com/asda-brings-back-the-pocket-tap-as-it-kicks-of-new-chapter-on-50th-anniversary/ | title=Asda brings back the pocket tap as it kicks off 'new chapter' on 50th anniversary | first=Sarah | last=Vizard | work=Marketing Week | date=6 July 2015 }}</ref>
In June 2016, it was announced that Andy Clarke, CEO since 2010, would be replaced by Sean Clarke, the head of parent company Walmart's operations in China.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36515870|title=Asda chief Andy Clarke to be replaced by Sean Clarke|work=BBC News|date=13 June 2016|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808072549/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36515870|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/13/asda-boss-andy-clarke-bows-out/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/13/asda-boss-andy-clarke-bows-out/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Asda boss Andy Clarke bows out|newspaper=The Telegraph |date=13 June 2016 |access-date=20 July 2016|last1=Armstrong |first1=Ashley }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/asda-brings-in-walmart-boss-sean-clarke-to-take-over-as-chief-executive-a3270101.html|title=Asda brings in Walmart boss to take over as chief executive|date=13 June 2016|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=21 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721022338/http://www.standard.co.uk/business/asda-brings-in-walmart-boss-sean-clarke-to-take-over-as-chief-executive-a3270101.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2017, Asda announced that the current CEO, Sean Clarke would be replaced by Roger Burnley, the deputy CEO, from 1 January 2018, and the sixth CEO since 2000.<ref name=sky-20171030>{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/asda-gets-another-new-general-for-market-share-battle-with-rivals-11105930 |title=Asda gets (another) new boss for market share battle with rivals |last=King |first=Ian |publisher=Sky News |date=30 October 2017 |access-date=30 October 2017 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030180647/http://news.sky.com/story/asda-gets-another-new-general-for-market-share-battle-with-rivals-11105930 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bl-20171030>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2017-10-30/wal-mart-s-u-k-ceo-swap-can-t-cure-a-sales-struggle |title=Wal-Mart's U.K. CEO Swap Can't Cure a Sales Struggle |last=Felsted |first=Andrea |date=30 October 2017 |access-date=30 October 2017 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030191659/https://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2017-10-30/wal-mart-s-u-k-ceo-swap-can-t-cure-a-sales-struggle |url-status=live }}</ref>
In November 2017, Asda recruited Jesús Lorente, from French hypermarket retailer Carrefour. He became CMO (Chief Merchandising Officer), in January 2018, and was put in charge of the fresh food and general merchandise offer within all stores. After reportedly clashing with Roger Burnley and only six months in his post, Lorente left Asda at the end of July 2018. His role was divided up between Burnley and Anthony Hemmerdinger.<ref name="TheGrocer">{{cite web|url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/movers/lorente-to-leave-asda-after-six-months-as-merchandising-head/569953.article|title=Jesús Lorente to leave Asda after six months as chief merchandising officer|last=Quinn|first=Ian|publisher=The Grocer|access-date=30 March 2019|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330092547/https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/movers/lorente-to-leave-asda-after-six-months-as-merchandising-head/569953.article|url-status=live}}</ref>
====Abandoned merger with Sainsbury's==== In April 2018, Sainsbury's and Walmart announced negotiations about a possible merger of Sainsbury's and Asda, creating the largest supermarket chain in the UK.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tovey|first= Alan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/04/28/sainsburys-mulls-asda-tie-up-create-supermarket-giant/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/04/28/sainsburys-mulls-asda-tie-up-create-supermarket-giant/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Sainsbury's in 'advanced' discussions over £10bn-plus merger with Asda to create supermarket giant |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=28 April 2018 |access-date=8 February 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Under the plans, Walmart would own 42% of the combined business,<ref>{{cite web | title=Mike Coupe on creating a dynamic new player in UK retail | via=YouTube | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=10s&v=tHvvH0E7hdM | date=30 April 2018 | access-date=1 May 2018 | archive-date=7 October 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007152731/https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=10s&v=tHvvH0E7hdM | url-status=live }}</ref> which would be led by the existing chief executive of Sainsbury's, Mike Coupe. The group would also open branches of Argos within Asda stores. The merger underwent intense scrutiny from a cross-party group of MPs who were chairing select committees for the proposed merger and the Competition and Markets Authority, who were inundated with complaints from suppliers and other major retailers who complained of the damage they felt would be inflicted upon them if the deal was approved.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sainsbury's vows Asda deal will cut prices|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43945254|access-date=30 April 2018|work=BBC News|date=30 April 2018|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430063952/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43945254|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 April 2019, the CMA blocked the proposed merger, suggesting that it would increase prices for consumers and make competition unfair for other UK retailers. Sainsbury's then announced that it was abandoning the merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/219067/sainsbury-s-and-walmart-s-asda-abandon-merger-after-competition-watchdog-rejects-deal-219067.html|title=Sainsbury's and Walmart's Asda abandon merger after competition watchdog rejects deal|date=25 April 2019|website=Proactiveinvestors UK|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502133346/https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/219067/sainsbury-s-and-walmart-s-asda-abandon-merger-after-competition-watchdog-rejects-deal-219067.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2020s=== In October 2020, the first Asda sustainability store was opened in Middleton, Leeds, featuring refill stations, loose fruit and vegetables, and recycling stations, as well as a community zone.<ref>{{cite web |title= Inside Asda's new sustainability store with refill stations and loose fruit and veg|website=Independent.co.uk |date=21 October 2020 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/asda-sustainable-store-middleton-leeds-refill-recycle-brands-supermarket-b1201768.html |access-date=9 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-01-16 |title=Asda trials refills at 'sustainability store' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51132164 |access-date=2025-12-30 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The company ended the initiative in 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=John |date=2024-07-09 |title=Asda axes refillable product station trials |url=https://www.sustainability-beat.co.uk/2024/07/09/asda-axes-refill-trial/ |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Sustainability Beat |language=en-GB}}</ref> with the move being called "grim news" by ''The Grocer''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Ian |date=2024-07-08 |title=Asda scraps plastic refill store trials |url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/asda-scraps-plastic-refill-store-trials/693131.article |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=The Grocer |language=en}}</ref>
In December 2020, undercover footage was filmed at farms that supplied meat to Asda and Sainsbury's. The footage captured turkeys being extremely badly treated. A worker was suspended and an official investigation was launched after the footage was released.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 December 2020 |title=Turkeys 'brutally kicked hundreds of times at farms supplying Sainsbury's and Asda' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/turkey-christmas-sainsbury-asda-bird-supermarket-b1776255.html |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=The Independent}}</ref> In December 2021, an undercover video filmed by French activists appeared to reveal that unprofitable piglets were being extremely badly treated. An Asda spokesperson said: "We take animal welfare extremely seriously and as soon as we were made aware of these claims we launched an investigation with the supplier."<ref>{{cite web |last=Dalton |first=Jane |date=3 December 2021 |title=Pigs beaten and cut without pain relief on farm linked to Tesco, Sainsbury, Morrisons and Asda |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pigs-pork-tesco-sainsbury-morrisons-asda-french-b1968743.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=The Independent |archive-date=16 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816185749/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pigs-pork-tesco-sainsbury-morrisons-asda-french-b1968743.html }}</ref>
====Acquisition by the Issa brothers and TDR Capital==== In February 2021, Mohsin Issa, Zuber Issa and TDR Capital acquired Asda, which at the time was valued at £6.8 billion. Walmart retained "an equity investment" in Asda, a seat on the board and "an ongoing commercial relationship".<ref name="walmart.com" /> In the same month, Asda said that it might need to put 5,000 jobs at risk as part of a reconstruction plan in the context of people shopping online.<ref>{{cite news|date=25 February 2021|title=Asda says 5,000 jobs at risk in new business plan|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56185236|access-date=25 February 2021|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225105606/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56185236|url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2021, Asda was involved in the "largest ever sterling bond offering" as part of the financing package to fund the acquisition purchase by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers.<ref>{{cite news|date=5 March 2021|title=Blockbuster Deals in February; Looser Covenants for Repeat Issuers; J Crew Blockers; Bespoke, Never-Before-Seen Covenant Flexibilities; Year in Review; Looking Ahead|work=Reorg|url=https://reorg.com/emea-covenants-monthly-recap-february-2021/|access-date=11 March 2021|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310150237/https://reorg.com/emea-covenants-monthly-recap-february-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Chief executive Roger Burnley retired in August 2021 following the change in ownership.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hegarty|first=Ronan|url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/asda-ceo-roger-burnley-leaves-business-four-months-ahead-of-planned-date/658729.article|title=Asda CEO Roger Burnley leaves business four months ahead of planned date|date=8 August 2021|newspaper=The Grocer|access-date=10 March 2026}}</ref> Following Burnley's departure, Mohsin Issa took over running the business.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Sophie|url=https://www.theindustry.fashion/asda-temporarily-suspends-search-for-new-ceo/|title=Asda temporarily suspends search for new CEO|date=31 January 2022|newspaper=The Industry.Fashion|access-date=9 March 2026}}</ref>
In May 2023, it was reported that the Issa brothers and TDR Capital had together contributed just £200 million for their purchase of Asda, worth £6.8 billion; the majority of the purchase price was funded by a loan from the parent company of heavily indebted EG Group, and by disposing of Asda assets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Robert |last2=Wiggins |first2=Kaye |date=4 February 2021 |title=Billionaire Asda buyers to stump up less than £800m to clinch £6.8bn takeover |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/79964b33-2406-41c8-8f24-4ff5552f1669 | url-access = subscription |access-date=26 May 2023 |archive-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526065210/https://www.ft.com/content/79964b33-2406-41c8-8f24-4ff5552f1669 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Robert |last2=Wiggins |first2=Kaye |last3=Jones |first3=Cleve |date=14 April 2023 |title=Asda price: how buyers bagged a £6.8bn supermarket chain for £200mn |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d6f59905-449d-45d4-bbba-ed49f111620d |access-date=26 May 2023 |archive-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526065208/https://www.ft.com/content/d6f59905-449d-45d4-bbba-ed49f111620d |url-status=live }}</ref>
In October 2023, Asda completed a £2.27 billion acquisition of EG Group property. This mainly consists of 356 forecourt sites, where the existing Spar stores at these locations were rebranded to Asda Express.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leader |first=Alice |date=31 October 2023 |title=Asda completes £2bn acquisition of EG Group's UK business |url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/convenience/asda-completes-2bn-acquisition-of-eg-groups-uk-business/684819.article |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=The Grocer|archive-date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828225044/https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/convenience/asda-completes-2bn-acquisition-of-eg-groups-uk-business/684819.article |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Asda owners to buy EG Group's UK and Ireland petrol stations for £2.27bn |url=https://news.sky.com/story/asda-owners-to-acquire-petrol-stations-giant-eg-creating-company-with-combined-revenues-of-nearly-30bn-12892860 |access-date=12 June 2023 |publisher=Sky News |archive-date=12 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612140319/https://news.sky.com/story/asda-owners-to-acquire-petrol-stations-giant-eg-creating-company-with-combined-revenues-of-nearly-30bn-12892860 |url-status=live }}</ref> The deal also included ownership of fast-food chain Leon, as well as the purchase of 462 Burger King, Greggs and Subway franchises.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asda to bring Leon brand into its supermarkets after £2b deal |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/news/asda-leon-eg-group-restaurant-sale |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=The Caterer|archive-date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828225045/https://www.thecaterer.com/news/asda-leon-eg-group-restaurant-sale |url-status=live }}</ref> Asda would later collaborate with Sbarro to integrate franchises.<ref>{{cite web |title=Current Vacancies |url=https://www.asdaexpressjobs.co.uk/ |access-date=12 January 2025 |website=Asda Express Jobs}}</ref> In September 2025, the lease for a single motel in Monmouth that was included in the 2023 acquisition, called Raglan Lodge, was put on the market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sandlin |first=Heather |date=2025-09-11 |title=Raglan Lodge brought to market on new lease |url=https://www.hotelowner.co.uk/200553-raglan-lodge-brought-to-market-on-new-lease/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=Hotel Owner |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2025, Asda sold Leon back to its original founder.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Access Restricted |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/31/asda-sells-leon-back-to-founder-owners-accused-destroying/ |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=Daily Telegraph}}</ref>
In September 2024, Lord Rose succeeded Mohsin Issa as CEO, supported by TDR Capital's Rob Hattrell. Mohsin retained his ownership stake and assumed a non-executive director role. He would return to EG Group to be its sole chief executive.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mohsin Issa to step back from Asda role to focus on EG Group |url=https://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/latest-news-and-features/mohsin-issa-to-step-back-from-asda-role-to-focus-on-eg-group |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=Lancashire Business View|archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921171402/https://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/latest-news-and-features/mohsin-issa-to-step-back-from-asda-role-to-focus-on-eg-group |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 1 November 2024, Zuber Issa sold his 22.5% stake in Asda to TDR Capital, making it the majority owner with control of 67.5% of the company.<ref name="stake"/><ref name="Purchase"/>
In early November 2024, Asda announced that they were ordering staff back to the office at least three days a week and cutting head office jobs in an attempt to halt the supermarket's decline.<ref>{{cite news |last=Barr |first=Luke |date=5 November 2024 |title=Asda axes jobs and orders staff back to the office three days a week |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/11/05/asda-axes-jobs-orders-staff-back-to-office-three-day-week/ | url-access = subscription |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=8 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108220505/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/11/05/asda-axes-jobs-orders-staff-back-to-office-three-day-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 25 November 2024, Allan Leighton, who had been CEO from 1996 to 2000, was appointed chairman.<ref>{{cite magazine| last=Leyland | first=Adam | title=Asda goes 'back to the future – with modernity' as Allan Leighton returns |magazine=The Grocer | date=23 November 2024 | url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/asda-goes-back-to-the-future-with-modernity-as-allan-leighton-returns/698214.article}}</ref> He was described as "one of Britain's top corporate fixers", partly responsible for rescuing Asda from insolvency in the late 1990s.<ref name=telegraph-20250209>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/02/09/mr-asda-allan-leighton-save-supermarket-terminal-decline/ |title=Asda has become an embarrassment. Its old boss thinks he can fix it |last1=Marlow |first1=Ben |last2=Barr. |first2=Luke Hannah Boland |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=subscription |date=9 February 2025 |access-date=9 February 2025}}</ref> The next day, Allan Leighton said that Asda had "a pretty significant war chest" to tackle several years of weak trading at the Leeds-based supermarket, where sales have been falling despite inflation, and that it would take up to five years to turn Asda round.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Sarah |title=‘Asda turnaround could take three to five years’: Allan Leighton returns to run retailer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/nov/26/asda-turnaround-could-take-up-to-five-years-allan-leighton-returns-to-run-retailer |access-date=28 December 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=26 November 2024}}</ref>
In February 2025, Asda refinanced £3.2 billion of its debts, delaying the repayment of bonds in 2026, though at a high interest rate of about 8%.<ref name=telegraph-20250209/>
In March 2025, Nils Pratley commented that "Asda definitely needs to do something. The business underperformed for years under Walmart’s ownership. Then the Issa brothers, Mohsin and Zuber, and TDR, their private equity backers, loaded it with buyout debt in 2021 and investment suffered again. Asda’s market share has declined from 15.1% to 12.6% over the past five years, according to the research group Kantar’s numbers."<ref name="pratley">{{cite news |last=Pratley |first=Nils |author-link=Nils Pratley |date=19 March 2025 |title=Why does Asda terrify stock market investors? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2025/mar/19/asda-stock-market-supermarket-price-war-tesco-sainsburys-m-and-s |access-date=19 March 2025 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>
====New brand identity==== thumb|Logo of Asda since 2024 On 16 May 2024, Asda launched the new brand identity, with new logo, typography and colour scheme.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asda reveals new brand identity as part of its Summer campaign – Serious About Summer |url=https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2024/16/05/asda-reveals-new-brand-identity-as-part-of-its-summer-campaign-serious-about-summer |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=Corporate }}</ref> It also features a new slogan: "That's More Like It", and new typefaces designed by Colophon: ''Asda Display'', ''Asda Subline'' and ''Asda Text''; in addition to fruit stickers and a new darker green colour. It also features unique features, such as a crossbar under the pence numerals.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Asda rebrand features fruit stickers and an unexpected approach to typography |url=https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/havas-asda-graphic-design-160524 |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=It's Nice That}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hopkins |first=Lee |date=21 May 2024 |title=Asda's rebrand: a fruitful approach to branding |url=https://www.threerooms.com/blog/asda-a-rebrand-a-fruitful-approach-to-branding |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=Threerooms }}</ref>
The new brand identity has proved popular across the design community, with ''The Drum'' describing it as "less shiny and corporate", "less American and much softer", and an "honest, down-to-earth, playful style". However, a few people criticized the new brand identity, especially related to the font's readability with regard to those with dyslexia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asda's rebrand is a hit with designers. Can it win over shoppers too? |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2024/05/29/asda-s-rebrand-hit-with-designers-can-it-win-over-shoppers-too |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=The Drum}}</ref>
====£50 million store upgrade programme==== {{multiple image | width = 150 | footer = Asda in Inverness, before and after the upgrade programme | image1 = 2024-05-25 Aisle 15, Asda, Inverness.jpg | caption1 = May 2024 | image2 = 2025-01-03 Aisle 15, Asda, Inverness.jpg | caption2 = January 2025 }} On 30 May 2024, Asda announced that it would be launching a £50 million store upgrade programme to refurbish its 170 stores, including 50 larger stores, by late November 2024.<ref name="Corporate-2">{{cite web |title=Asda unveils £50m store upgrade program |url=https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2024/30/05/asda-unveils-50m-store-upgrade-program |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=Corporate }}</ref> The 50 larger stores would be refurbished to include new features, including seasonal and food-to-go aisles, counters, flooring and lighting, and, in some stores, new George departments.<ref name="Corporate-2" /> The 120 other stores would also be refurbished to adopt the new brand identity.<ref name="Corporate-2" />
In December 2024, Asda trialled electronic labels, with prices that could be updated instantly, on shelves at Manchester Oxford Road store for 12 weeks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fortune |first=Aidan |date=10 December 2024 |title=Asda trials electronic shelf edge labels in convenience store |url=https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/your-business/asda-trials-electronic-shelf-edge-labels-in-convenience-store/698788.article |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=Convenience Store }}</ref>
====Since 2025==== In February 2025, Jo Whitfield rejoined Asda as a non-executive director after 8 years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Georgia |date=6 February 2025 |title=Ex-Matalan boss Jo Whitfield returns to Asda board |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/02/co-op-asda-jo/ |work=Retail Gazette |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>
In March 2025, Asda said that its profits were likely to drop as it was going to cut prices and increase staffing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Sarah |title=Asda to invest in price cuts to battle drop in sales and market share |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/14/asda-cut-prices-battle-drop-sales-market-share |access-date=1 February 2026 |work=The Guardian |date=14 March 2025}}</ref> Competitors Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Marks & Spencer were thought likely to lower prices to compete, and their stock prices dropped following the announcement.<ref name=butler/>
In May 2025, Asda and Morrisons suspended supplies from a Lincolnshire pig farm linked to abuse against pigs. Secretly filmed footage showed farm workers at Northmoor Farm appearing to grab piglets by their hind legs and smashing them on to the hard floor – a banned method of killing known as blunt force trauma or "piglet thumping".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=2025-05-11 |title=UK supermarkets suspend supplies from Lincolnshire pig farm over cruelty claims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/11/uk-supermarkets-suspend-supplies-from-lincolnshire-pig-farm-over-cruelty-claims |access-date=2025-07-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
Leighton announced a management reshuffle with a series of new senior executive appointments in November 2025.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thakadu|first=Abigail|url=https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2025/11/20/asda-appoints-new-senior-executives-in-leadership-reshuffle/|title=Asda appoints new senior executives in leadership reshuffle|date=20 November 2025|newspaper=Grocery Gazette|access-date=9 March 2026}}</ref>
By the end of December 2025, ASDA's market share had fallen to 11.4%. Asda was reported to have had a "dreadful Christmas" in 2025, as in 2024. Asda's sales decreased by 4.2% during the 12 weeks to 28 December 2025, while all its main rivals reported an increase.<ref name="Simpson"/>
==Store formats== ===Asda Superstores=== [[File:ASDA at Alloa - geograph.org.uk - 7661422.jpg|thumb| The Alloa superstore, 2023]] [[File: Asda, Hayes - geograph.org.uk - 7413066.jpg|thumb|The Hayes superstore, 2023]] The Asda Superstores at the Old Kent Road, Scunthorpe, Colindale and Brunstane stores previously trialled a Subway franchise. There are currently no plans to roll the Subway franchise out across the chain.<ref name="Information for Walmart Investors: Unit Counts & Square Footage"/>
===Asda Supercentres=== [[File:Asda Supercentre, Swindon Haydon.jpg|thumb|A Supercentre in Haydon, Swindon, branded Asda Walmart in 2013]] alt=Interior of Asda Supercentre Milton Keynes|thumb|Interior of Asda Supercentre Milton Keynes The first Asda Supercentre with a sales area of {{convert|93000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}} opened in Patchway, Bristol in the summer of 2000. The first Scottish Supercentre opened in Livingston, in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.just-food.com/news/scotlands-first-asda-wal-mart-supercentre_id87409.aspx|title=UK: Scotland's first ASDA Wal-Mart supercentre|access-date=25 July 2015|archive-date=25 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725185320/http://www.just-food.com/news/scotlands-first-asda-wal-mart-supercentre_id87409.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Bletchley, Milton Keynes Supercentre which opened in November 2005 is currently the largest Asda Supercentre with a net sales floor of over {{convert|120000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpsl.com/news.php?id=89 |title=Rose :: Latest News |publisher=Rpsl.com |access-date=3 September 2013 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004231846/http://www.rpsl.com/news.php?id=89 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was preceded in June 2002 by the Eastlands, Manchester store which was the largest store at the time with a sales area of {{convert|110000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}} but is currently the second largest Asda Supercentre, and the third largest is located in Minworth, West Midlands, followed by Patchway. As of 31 January 2021, there are 32 Supercentres.<ref name="Information for Walmart Investors: Unit Counts & Square Footage">{{cite web|title=Walmart Investor Relations – Investors – Financial Information – Unit Counts & Square Footage|url=https://stock.walmart.com/investors/financial-information/unit-counts-and-square-footage/default.aspx|access-date=18 February 2021|website=stock.walmart.com|archive-date=24 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224170141/https://stock.walmart.com/investors/financial-information/unit-counts-and-square-footage/default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Asda Supermarket=== [[File:Alsager - Asda supermarket - Apr 2025.jpg|thumb|Alsager supermarket, 2025]] In May 2010, Asda announced the purchase of the 193 UK stores of Danish discount retailer Netto in a £778 million deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/may/27/asda-buys-netto|title= Asda buys Netto for £778m|date=27 May 2010|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref> The remaining stores continued to trade as Netto stores until early 2011, when Asda integrated the stores into its supermarkets division, designated for shops smaller than {{convert|25000|sqft|m2|order=flip|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10171193|title=Asda to take over Netto stores in UK|work=BBC News |date=27 May 2010|access-date=27 May 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100530083918/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10171193.stm| archive-date= 30 May 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> These former Netto stores form the core of the Asda Supermarket format.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://retailanalysis.igd.com/news/news-article/t/asda-trials-new-smaller-supermarket-format/i/7803|title=Asda trials new smaller supermarket format|date=16 December 2013|publisher=Retail Analysis|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502194426/https://retailanalysis.igd.com/news/news-article/t/asda-trials-new-smaller-supermarket-format/i/7803|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 31 January 2021, there are 207 supermarkets.<ref name="Information for Walmart Investors: Unit Counts & Square Footage"/>
===Asda Living=== thumb|right|An ''Asda Living'' branch in Leeds As at 31 January 2021, there are 33 home improvement stores using the '''Asda Living''' format.<ref name="Information for Walmart Investors: Unit Counts & Square Footage"/>
===George stores=== In 2008, all George standalone stores were closed due as high rental costs had resulted in low profitability.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2785581/Asda-calls-it-a-day-for-George.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2785581/Asda-calls-it-a-day-for-George.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=James | last=Hall | title=Asda calls it a day for George | date=5 March 2008}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In 2011, Asda announced its intention to establish a small number of pilot George stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://your.asda.com/archives/press-centre/05/2011|title=News & Blogs|access-date=25 July 2015|archive-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702103053/http://your.asda.com/archives/press-centre/05/2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2012 Asda announced that it had agreed to terms with two franchise partners to open international George stores. Through the agreement with SandpiperCI, based in the Channel Islands, the company will be responsible for opening George franchises in both Jersey and Guernsey, and through the Azadea Group, headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, the George franchise stores would open in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://your.asda.com/archives/press-centre/01/2012|title=News & Blogs|access-date=25 July 2015|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713103636/http://your.asda.com/archives/press-centre/01/2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In May 2025, Asda revived the standalone ''George'' brand, with the pilot store opening in the Crown Point Retail Park in Leeds, in a former ''Asda Living'' store. Asda also confirmed the store would be run as a trial with a vision to rebrand all former ''Asda Living'' stores under the ''George'' brand dependent on its success.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2025 |title=Asda announces Leeds as location for the first stand-alone 'George' concept store |url=https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/28/04/asda-announces-leeds-as-location-for-the-first-stand-alone-george-concept-store |access-date=10 May 2025 |website=Asda Corporate}}</ref> The new store format includes a rebranded "Asda Kitchen Café" which is expected to replace all existing in-store cafés eventually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First look: inside Asda's new standalone George store |url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/analysis-and-features/first-look-inside-asdas-new-standalone-george-store/704301.article |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Grocer |language=en}}</ref>
===Asda Essentials=== In April 2006, Asda launched a new trial format called 'Asda Essentials' in Northampton, followed by another in Pontefract a month later.<ref name="essential">{{cite news|title=Asda's new stores prove not-so-Essential in the discount market|first=Julia|last=Finch|work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=5 December 2006|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/dec/05/supermarkets.asda|access-date=9 October 2008 }}</ref> The stores were modelled on France's Leader Price chain, with a smaller floorplate than Asda's mainstream stores and with a primary focus on own-brand products, only stocking branded items that were perceived to be at the "core" of a family's weekly shop with the aim being to challenge the dominance of Tesco and Sainsbury's in the convenience store market while at the same time addressing competition from discount supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Netto.<ref name="essential" />
On 6 December 2006, ''The Guardian'' reported that further planned store openings were under review following poor sales in the existing outlets, while the range of branded products being carried was also being expanded due to customer demand.<ref name="essential" /> In January 2007 it was announced that the original Northampton trial store would close within a month after only 10 months of trading.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.igd.com/analysis/news/index.asp?nid=3468 |title=Asda Essentials trial continues despite store closure |date=9 January 2007 |access-date=11 January 2007 |publisher=IGD Retail Analysis |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004343/http://www.igd.com/analysis/news/index.asp?nid=3468 |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref>
===Asda Petrol=== [[File:Asda self service petrol station, Middleton, Leeds (3rd May 2015).JPG|thumb|right|An unstaffed Asda self-service filling station where payment is made at the pump by credit or debit card. This one is in Middleton, Leeds, England.]] The company is continuing to add a combination of fully automated credit/debit card payment only petrol stations and petrol stations with traditional forecourt shops within the car parks of its existing store portfolio and to new store sites.<ref name="Information for Walmart Investors: Unit Counts & Square Footage"/> As of June 2018, Asda operates 319 petrol stations in total, 18 of which are standalone and the others mostly within the car park area of its stores.<ref name="Information for Walmart Investors: Unit Counts & Square Footage"/>
===Asda Express=== [[File:Asda Petrol Station - geograph.org.uk - 7673087.jpg|thumb|Stevenage Express with petrol station]] In October 2020, a petrol station convenience store format launched called 'Asda On the Move', soon after the Issa brothers' takeover of Asda. The first store opened at the Primley service station in Walsall<ref name="talkretail">{{cite web |last=Cronin |first=Éilis |date=12 October 2020 |title=First Asda on the Move opens as retailer's new drive into convenience sector gets into gear |url=https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/first-asda-on-the-move-opens-as-retailers-new-drive-into-convenience-sector-gets-into-gear-12-10-2020/}}</ref> with 150 outlets trading by April 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asda opens landmark 150th Asda On the Move convenience store |url=https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2023/04/27/asda-opens-landmark-150th-asda-on-the-move-convenience-store |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=Corporate}}</ref> The Asda On the Move format was designed to gain more market share by entering the convenience market.<ref name="talkretail" /> In November 2022, Asda opened its first convenience stores in the 'Asda Express' portfolio, with the initial stores located in Sutton Coldfield and Tottenham Hale. Following the acquisition of the majority of EG Group and Co-op's forecourts, the number increased from 2 to 478. This number is expected to increase to 778 by 2026.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2022/11/asda-express/|title=Asda opens first standalone 'Asda Express' store as it eyes 30 more openings|first=Sahar|last=Nazir|date=8 November 2022 |work=Retail Gazette|access-date=2 December 2024|archive-date=13 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113063042/https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2022/11/asda-express/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/gallery/pictures-inside-first-ever-asda-25464851|title=In pictures: Inside the first ever Asda Express convenience store|first=Nick|last=Horner|date=8 November 2022|website=BirminghamLive|access-date=2 December 2024|archive-date=13 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113002845/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/gallery/pictures-inside-first-ever-asda-25464851|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Asda commits to cutting prices as it completes £2 billion acquisition of EG Group's UK business |url=https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2023/10/31/asda-commits-to-cutting-prices-as-it-completes-2-billion-acquisition-of-eg-groups-uk-business |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=Corporate – ASDA |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105044156/https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2023/10/31/asda-commits-to-cutting-prices-as-it-completes-2-billion-acquisition-of-eg-groups-uk-business |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Asda Express Foodservice=== Since October 2023, Asda has owned 462 franchises of Burger King, Greggs and Subway, which were included in its purchase of EG Group forecourts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leader |first=Alice |title=Asda completes £2bn acquisition of EG Group’s UK business |url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/asda-completes-2bn-acquisition-of-eg-groups-uk-business/684819.article |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=The Grocer |language=en}}</ref>
==Brands and services==
===Just Essentials by Asda=== thumb|Asda's former Smart Price logo, used until 2012 {{see also|Value brands in the United Kingdom#Asda}} '''Just Essentials by Asda''', formerly known as Asda Smartprice, is a no-frills private label trade name introduced in 2022, to lower food prices and help struggling customers since the cost of living crisis that began in the UK in 2021, which saw grocery inflation reach several record all-time highs; and retailers battle to retain hard-pressed customers to maintain sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2022/05/30/the-first-just-essentials-by-asda-products-launch-in-stores-and-online-this-week|title=The first 'Just Essentials by Asda' products launch in stores and online this week|website=Corporate – ASDA|access-date=2 December 2024|archive-date=13 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113062447/https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2022/05/30/the-first-just-essentials-by-asda-products-launch-in-stores-and-online-this-week|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Chosen By You=== In 2010, Asda relaunched its mid-tier Asda own label brand.<ref>{{cite news|title = Asda relaunches own-brand range|url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/sep/21/asda-relaunches-own-brand|newspaper = The Guardian|date = 21 September 2010|access-date = 14 January 2016|issn = 0261-3077|first = Zoe|last = Wood}}</ref> Asda announced that it would be scrapping the "Chosen By You" brand starting in 2016 and most food products are being moved to a "by Asda" brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.supermarket.co.za/news-article.asp?ID=5925&CatTags=2-International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511215202/https://www.supermarket.co.za/news-article.asp?ID=5925&CatTags=2-International|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 May 2018|title=Asda's starting to phase out 'Chosen By You' own label range|work=Supermarket & Retailer|access-date=11 May 2018}}</ref>
===George clothing=== {{main|George (fashion label)}}
Asda has its own range of clothing known as '''George''', which was created and trialled in selected stores in 1989, and officially launched and rolled out to the main superstore estate in 1990. It replaced the older Asdale/Asda clothing labels of the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletins/design/article/554301/superbrand-case-studies-george/ |title=Superbrands case studies: George |work=Brand Republic |date=18 April 2006 |access-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118134305/http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletins/design/article/554301/superbrand-case-studies-george/ |archive-date=18 January 2013 }}</ref> This is marketed as quality fashion clothing at affordable prices. Walmart also sells the George brand in Argentina, Canada, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and the US (and in South Korea until Walmart pulled out of that market). George clothing is also sold at four stand alone dedicated stores in Malta, the first of which opened in 2013. George is a participant in the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP), the ambition of which is to improve the sustainability of clothing throughout its life cycle by helping to reduce the impacts of carbon, water and waste across the fashion sector.<ref>{{cite web|title=Doing the Right Thing Our Responsible Retail Programme Third edition, June 2014|url=https://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-ASDAShared/default/v4fd87320d2e43007be720db54c2a76656657b46d/sourcebygeorge/pdf/George_DTRT_Report_2014.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203170149/https://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-ASDAShared/default/v4fd87320d2e43007be720db54c2a76656657b46d/sourcebygeorge/pdf/George_DTRT_Report_2014.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2020 |access-date=21 January 2021|website=Asda}}</ref> The label is named after George Davies, founder of Next, who was its original chief designer. Davies himself parted company with Asda in 2000 and is no longer associated with the brand.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4471919/Founder-George-Davies-walks-away-from-Asda.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4471919/Founder-George-Davies-walks-away-from-Asda.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Founder George Davies walks away from Asda |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 November 2000 |access-date=3 September 2013 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In 2005, Asda stated that the George range was a £1.75 billion business, including sales from Walmart stores in the United States and Germany. Mintel estimate that George is the fourth-largest retailer of clothing in the United Kingdom, after Marks & Spencer, the Arcadia Group and Next.<ref>Mintel Clothing Retailing – UK, July 2005</ref>
In 2007, Asda was the first supermarket to stock wedding dresses. Part of the George line, they cost £60 while adult bridesmaid dresses ranged between £30 and £35, at launch.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/01/23/uasda.xml&sSheet=/portal/2006/01/23/ixportaltop.html Supermarket unveils £60 wedding dress] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224021026/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2006%2F01%2F23%2Fuasda.xml&sSheet=%2Fportal%2F2006%2F01%2F23%2Fixportaltop.html |date=24 December 2007 }} ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London). Retrieved 6 October 2006.</ref>
===Asda Mobile=== {{Main|Asda Mobile}}
Asda also operates a mobile phone network called Asda Mobile, which was launched in April 2007. This was previously provided in partnership with EE,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/asda-join-ee-launch-new-11448948|title=Asda join with EE to launch new huge data phone tariff that only costs a tenner|work=Daily Mirror|date=1 November 2017|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502194656/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/asda-join-ee-launch-new-11448948|url-status=live}}</ref> but then in 2021 moved to Vodafone.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vodafone network switch introduces new bundles & functionality {{!}} Asda mobile |url=https://mobile.asda.com/scoop/vodafone-network-switch-2021 |website=mobile.asda.com |access-date=11 November 2021 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111064105/https://mobile.asda.com/scoop/vodafone-network-switch-2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Asda Money=== Asda has a financial services brand which offers products provided by other companies. Services offered include car insurance (in partnership with Vast Visibility Limited), credit cards (issued by Jaja Finance Ltd), personal loans (issued by Aro Finance) and travel money bureaux (provided by Travelex). The financial services division of the organisation does not directly sell these services in store and instead uses the supplier of that product by telephone or online/postal application. Marketing and management of financial services is co-ordinated in house and many stores have a financial services co-ordinator, responsible for promoting the products and ensuring legal compliance. The Financial Services division is also responsible for gift cards, Christmas Saver and Business Rewards.<ref> {{cite news|url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article644642.ece|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070311082257/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article644642.ece|url-status = dead|archive-date = 11 March 2007|title = Asda ends Scottish Widows tie-up|work=The Times|date = 20 September 2006 |access-date=9 October 2008|last1 = Butler|first1 = Sarah|last2 = Seib|first2= Christine| location=London}}</ref>
===Medicine=== Many larger stores have an on-site pharmacy. In July 2020, the company started an in-store virtual general practitioner service in partnership with health tech company Medicspot. It is to be launched at the Asda Supercentre in Stevenage. Real-time diagnostics – a connected stethoscope, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, contactless thermometer, and a close inspection camera – will be available in the pharmacy and patients can consult a GP remotely without the need to book an appointment in advance. It was initially free, but after 4 July; a charge of £49 was introduced.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asda and Medicspot partner for in-store virtual GP service |url=https://www.thehtn.co.uk/2020/07/01/asda-and-medicspot-partner-for-in-store-virtual-gp-service/ |access-date=10 July 2020 |publisher=Health Tech Newspaper |date=1 July 2020 |archive-date=10 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710174418/https://www.thehtn.co.uk/2020/07/01/asda-and-medicspot-partner-for-in-store-virtual-gp-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ASDA pharmacy in Chelmsley Wood joined with local GP practices to deliver flu vaccinations from a van parked outside in October 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Supermarket pharmacy delivers flu vaccines to GP patients as practices face shortages |url=https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/supermarket-pharmacy-delivers-flu-vaccines-to-gp-patients-as-practices-face-shortages |access-date=21 June 2025 |work=Pharmaceutical Journal |date=26 October 2020 }}</ref>
===Asda Radio=== Asda Radio is the in-store radio station for Asda superstores.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/03/19/check-out-britain-s-number-one-radio-station-115875-22122789/|title=Check out Britain's number one radio station.. shopping to the tune of Asda FM|date=19 March 2010|access-date=19 March 2010|last=Harding|first=Nick|work=Daily Mirror|archive-date=15 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115023919/http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/03/19/check-out-britain-s-number-one-radio-station-115875-22122789/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=guardian>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/feb/11/asda-fm-retail-radio|title= Superstore DJs: How Asda FM became the UK's biggest radio station|date=11 February 2010|access-date=19 March 2010|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|work=The Guardian| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100413145309/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/feb/11/asda-fm-retail-radio| archive-date= 13 April 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/We-dont-want-parents-having.6091527.jp|title='We don't want parents having to cover their children's ears in the cereal aisle'|date=21 February 2010|access-date=19 March 2010|last=Freeman|first=Sarah|publisher=Yorkshire Post}}</ref>
The radio station was originally known as Asda FM, live broadcasting began on 7 September 1991, and it was operated by KVHstudios in Leeds. According to ''The Guardian'', it has a captive listenership of over 18{{nbsp}}million people each week.<ref name="guardian" /> In 2018, Asda switched the contract for Asda FM from KVHstudios to Mood Media and relaunched as Asda Radio.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 September 2019 |title=Asda FM Live rebranded as Asda Radio under new contract |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/09/asda-fm-live-rebranded-as-asda-radio-under-new-contract/ |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=RadioToday |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203235944/https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/09/asda-fm-live-rebranded-as-asda-radio-under-new-contract/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Asda Rewards=== thumb|Logo of Asda Rewards Asda Rewards is a loyalty programme introduced in August 2022, through which customers can fill the "Cashpot" via missions, where customers can earn cashbacks, named as "Asda Pounds", by spending a certain amount on items, and by using an Asda Money credit card, where customers earn 1% cashback when spending at Asda using the card and 0.3% when spending elsewhere. The app is available on App Store and Google Play Store.<ref name="MoneySavingExpert.com">{{cite web |title=Asda launches first-ever loyalty scheme offering discounts on groceries – here's how it works |url=https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/08/asda-rewards-loyalty-discounts-launch/ |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=MoneySavingExpert.com }}</ref><ref name="Dimmer-2025">{{cite web |last1=Dimmer |first1=Sam |last2=Rodger |first2=James |last3=Poulter |first3=Rory |date=5 February 2025 |title=Asda shoppers say they'll shop elsewhere after change to scheme |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/cost-of-living/asda-shoppers-say-theyll-shop-9919642 |access-date=10 February 2025 |website=Nottinghamshire Live }}</ref> By April 2024, Asda Rewards had 6 million users, which they saved a total of £400 million in cashback.<ref>{{cite web |last=Carroll |first=Niamh |date=22 April 2024 |title=Asda hails price focus and loyalty scheme for delivering growth |url=https://www.marketingweek.com/Asda-price-focus-loyalty/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |website=Marketing Week }}</ref>
Customers can turn cashback into vouchers, which these can be redeemed in store or online. These vouchers expire after 6 months.<ref name="MoneySavingExpert.com" />
Asda Rewards was first trialled across 16 stores in October 2021, particularly in the West Yorkshire and West Midlands and later expanded to 48 stores.<ref name="MoneySavingExpert.com" />
In December 2022, many Asda Rewards customers reported problems with their app that dozens of pounds of cashback was missing. From January 2023, to improve security, Asda Rewards requires a phone number to sign up, and prompted logged-in customers to enter their phone numbers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asda increases security on its loyalty app after shoppers complain of 'missing' cash rewards |url=https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2023/january/asda-rewards-app-security-/ |access-date=26 February 2025 |website=MoneySavingExpert.com }}</ref>
In September 2024, Asda announced that, through Asda Rewards, it would be donating 0.5% of money spent at Asda stores by consumers to primary schools, up to £7.5 million in total.<ref>{{cite web |last=May |first=Melanie |date=4 September 2024 |title=Asda launches new initiative to donate up to £7.5mn to schools through loyalty scheme |url=https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/09/04/asda-launches-new-initiative-to-donate-up-to-7-5mn-to-schools-through-loyalty-scheme/ |access-date=26 February 2025 |website=UK Fundraising }}</ref>
In February 2025, Asda changed the reward scheme, removing the Star Products. Previously, customers could get a 10% return in money when they spend on Star Products, but it is no longer the case, citing a "Rollback" campaign that was about to happen. However, while some Asda customers appreciated the next "Rollback" campaign was a replacement, most customers criticized for the change, preferring to go to other supermarkets.<ref name="Dimmer-2025" />
==Distribution== Asda has 25 distribution depots across the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asda.jobs/logistics/|title=Asda {{!}} Logistics|website=Asda|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=19 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619190045/https://www.asda.jobs/logistics/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three of Asda's distribution centres (Rochdale CDC, Doncaster GM & Larne) are outsourced to Wincanton PLC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asda.jobs/all-about/locations/distribution_locations.html|title=Asda Careers: Locations: Distribution|publisher=Asda|access-date=7 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913052501/http://www.asda.jobs/all-about/locations/distribution_locations.html|archive-date=13 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In September 2021, it was announced that Asda would trial autonomous delivery vans in London in collaboration with Wayve, a UK-based autonomous mobility startup. The 12-month trial was agreed to take place in early 2022. The autonomous vans will operate with the supervision of a Wayve safety driver. Asda and Wayve aim to use their capabilities to bring autonomy into the online grocery space and look for ways to improve last-mile delivery with technology.<ref name="Wayve and Asda to trial autonomous delivery vans in London">{{cite web |title=Wayve and Asda to trial autonomous delivery vans in London |url=https://www.retail-insight-network.com/news/wayve-asda-delivery/ |website=Retail Insight Network |date=22 September 2021 |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006090521/https://www.retail-insight-network.com/news/wayve-asda-delivery/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Employee relations== The company has featured prominently in lists of "Best companies to work for", appearing in second place in ''The Times'' newspaper list for 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bestcompanies.co.uk/Lists/ListedCompanies.aspx?Survey=17&Size=32&Company=32059 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130904020453/http://www.bestcompanies.co.uk/Lists/ListedCompanies.aspx?Survey=17&Size=32&Company=32059 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 September 2013 |title=Sunday Times List 2005 |publisher=Bestcompanies.co.uk |access-date=3 September 2013 }}</ref> It offers staff a discount of 15% on most items (exceptions include fuel, stamps, lottery, giftcards and tobacco related items).<ref> {{cite news |last=Houlton |first=Cara |date=30 January 2025 |title=Asda increases colleague discount to 15% |url=https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2025/01/30/asda-colleague-discount-2/ |access-date=11 March 2025 |work=Grocery Gazette}} </ref>
The company was fined £850,000 in 2006 for offering 340 staff at a Dartford depot a pay rise in return for giving up a union collective bargaining agreement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asda Guilty of Anti Trade Union Activity|url=http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Retail/Asda-Wal-Mart-guilty-of-anti-trade-union-activity|date=14 February 2006|website=Food And Drink Europe|access-date=3 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929025840/http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Retail/Asda-Wal-Mart-guilty-of-anti-trade-union-activity|archive-date=29 September 2011}}</ref> Poor relations continued as Asda management attempted to introduce new rights and working practices shortly thereafter at another centre in Washington, Tyne and Wear.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asda's Escalating dispute with GMB|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/asdas-escalating-dispute-with-gmb-turns-into-political-row-467136.html|date=20 February 2006|work=The Independent|access-date=18 February 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090317211957/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/asdas-escalating-dispute-with-gmb-turns-into-political-row-467136.html| archive-date= 17 March 2009 | url-status= live| first=Barrie| last=Clement| location=London}}</ref>
Some compromise was reached by June of that year, when a five-day strike was called off after Asda management and the GMB union reached an agreement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asda Industrial Action Called Off |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5128260.stm |date=29 June 2006 |work=BBC News |access-date=3 December 2011 |archive-date=2 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060702085217/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5128260.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
Relations have improved since, with both Asda and the GMB marking the death of a worker together on Workers' Memorial Day in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=GMB Members and Asda Bedford Mark International Workers' Memorial Day 2010 |url=http://www.gmb.org.uk/default.aspx?page=1027 |date=26 April 2010 |website=GMB |access-date=3 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710044416/http://www.gmb.org.uk/default.aspx?page=1027 |archive-date=10 July 2010 }}</ref>
In 2013, tens of thousands of Asda workers across the UK were hit with a tax complication because of an anomaly in Asda's payroll system. Asda employees receive their pay every four weeks, which meant, according to their spokesperson, that once every 20 years they are paid 14 times a year rather than 13. Whilst most companies handle this properly, Asda's payroll system did not, which meant that workers had, through no fault of their own, paid less tax for the year than they should have. This resulted in most full-time and a small number of part-time workers receiving a demand from HM Revenue & Customs for between £72 and £160.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tax shock for thousands of Asda workers|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/uk/exclusive-tax-shock-for-thousands-of-asda-workers-1.113215|work=The Courier|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925132343/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/uk/exclusive-tax-shock-for-thousands-of-asda-workers-1.113215|archive-date=25 September 2013}}</ref>
In 2016, Asda became involved in a protracted equal pay dispute with its lower-paid shop staff, who were supported by GMB. 44,000 employees argued that store workers were paid less because most were women, while most distribution depot staff, paid more, were men, violating the Equal Pay Act 1970 and Equality Act 2010. In March 2021 the employees won a Supreme Court case upholding an earlier court ruling. This did not itself give the claimants the right to equal pay, but enabled them to take the case to an employment tribunal to decide "equal value" claims. Asda stated "This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion."<ref name=bbc-20210326>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56534988 |title=Asda loses Supreme Court appeal in equal pay fight |work=BBC News |date=26 March 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |archive-date=26 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326100535/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56534988 |url-status=live }}</ref> The claim could lead to about £500 million of compensation to lower-paid employees.<ref name=guardian-20210326>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/mar/26/court-rules-against-asda-in-workers-equal-pay-case |title=Court rules against Asda in workers. equal pay case |last=Butler |first=Sarah |newspaper=The Guardian |date=26 March 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref>
{{See also|Asda Stores Ltd v Brierley}}
==Marketing== [[File:Refilable foods, Asda, Middleton, Leeds (6th April 2024).jpg|thumb|right|An Asda branch in Middleton trialling refillable foods.]]
===Campaigns=== In the 'Asda price' campaign,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA2532&advertiser=ASDA|title = Asda 'Thank You' TV ad – 30 sec advert|publisher = tellyads.com|access-date = 9 October 2008|archive-date = 3 July 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090703104155/http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA2532&advertiser=ASDA|url-status = live}}</ref> customers tap their trouser pocket twice, producing a 'chinking' sound as the coins that Asda's low prices have supposedly left in their pockets knock together. The pocket tap ads were launched in 1977 and over the next 30 years, a range of celebrities have been "tappers", including from 1978, actors Richard Beckinsale, Paula Wilcox, James Bolam and later, Julie Walters, and football player Michael Owen. In the late 1970s, adverts also included actor Leonard Rossiter.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/mar/18/asda-pocket-tap-adverts|title=Asda brings back 'pocket tap' ads |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=15 July 2009| first=Mark| last=Sweney| date=18 March 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090801194231/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/mar/18/asda-pocket-tap-adverts| archive-date= 1 August 2009 | url-status= live}} </ref>
In 1980, ''Carry On'' actress Hattie Jacques appeared in the advert as a school crossing patrol officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uktvadverts.com/Home/Search.aspx?advert=5523 |title="Info for Superstores – Asda" at Vuktvadverts.com |publisher=Uktvadverts.com |access-date=3 September 2013}}</ref> Between 1981 and 1985, Asda used the slogan "All Together Better" in conjunction with the 'Asda Price' pocket tap campaign in TV commercials and newspaper and magazine advertisements. When the new green capitalised ASDA logo started to appear from 1985, in early 1986 onwards and until early 1989, two slogans were used. The first, 'You'd be off your trolley to go anywhere else', was replaced in 1987 by 'One trip and you're laughing'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj1OAL8zvco |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/oj1OAL8zvco| archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=One trip and you're laughing|date=18 October 2018 |via=YouTube|access-date=2 May 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In 1989, and until late 1991, before the reintroduction of the pocket tap campaign, advertising for Asda had featured the Fairground Attraction song "Perfect" with the slogan 'It 'Asda be Asda', which was based upon the lyrics of the song. When the Asda Price slogan was reintroduced in 1992, the strapline "Pocket the Difference" was added alongside it. This was replaced by 'Permanently Low Prices, Forever' in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/supermarket-set-boulder-go--3152424|title=Supermarket set to boulder go...|publisher=Coventry Live|date=28 January 2004|access-date=2 May 2019}}</ref>
From 1990 to 1991, Asda were the sponsors of Sheffield Wednesday F.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swfchistory.wikifoundry.com/page/Shirt+Sponsors|title=Sponsors|publisher=Sheffield Wednesday|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=14 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114135843/http://swfchistory.wikifoundry.com/page/Shirt+Sponsors|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2005, rival supermarket chain Tesco complained to the Advertising Standards Agency about Asda's claim that it was the cheapest supermarket in the country. The ASA upheld the complaint and ordered Asda to stop using the claim.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4158368.stm |title=Asda made to drop low price claim |work=BBC News |date=17 August 2005 |access-date=29 September 2015 |archive-date=23 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061223230055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4158368.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2006, Asda advertising was themed around singing children and the slogan "More for you for less".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/asda-drop-slogan-boost-marketing-45m-image-revamp/544756|title=Asda to drop slogan and boost marketing to £45m in image revamp|date=6 March 2006|newspaper=Campaign Live|access-date=3 April 2021|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407220826/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/asda-drop-slogan-boost-marketing-45m-image-revamp/544756|url-status=live}}</ref>
For Christmas 2007, Asda reintroduced the "That's Asda price" slogan.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA5261&advertiser=Asda|title = Asda 'Something Big' TV ad – 20 sec advert|publisher = tellyads.com|access-date = 9 October 2008|archive-date = 3 July 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090703233358/http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA5261&advertiser=Asda|url-status = live}}</ref>
In 2008, the company refocused on price with a "Why Pay More?" campaign both on TV and in stores. Asda TV commercials in April 2009 focused on price comparisons between Asda and its rivals, using information from mySupermarket. The music being used in these adverts is the Billy Childish version of the theme tune to the British sitcom ''Dad's Army''. The old Asda jingle is not included in these,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA5744&advertiser=Asda|title = Asda 'Comparison' TV ad – 20 sec advert|publisher = tellyads.com|access-date = 9 October 2008|archive-date = 3 July 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090703104159/http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA5744&advertiser=Asda|url-status = live}}</ref> but appeared in a 2008 Christmas advert.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA7819|title = Asda 'Christmas' TV ad – 40 sec advert |publisher=tellyads.com| access-date =5 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081227083504/http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA7819| archive-date= 27 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
In the smiley face "rollback" campaign, also used by Walmart, a CGI smiley face bounced from price tag to price tag, knocking them down as customers watch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2015/01/06/asda-ploughs-300m-latest-rollback-campaign|title=Asda ploughs £300m into latest rollback campaign|date=6 January 2015|publisher=The Drum|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502202300/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2015/01/06/asda-ploughs-300m-latest-rollback-campaign|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2024, Asda introduced the Aldi & Lidl Price Match campaign, which aimed to match the prices of hundreds of Asda products to Aldi and Lidi prices.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=UK's Asda to match some discounter prices in push for market share |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/uk-supermarket-asda-price-match-discounters-aldi-lidl-hundreds-products-2024-01-05/ |access-date=10 February 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref> The campaign was discontinued in January 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=28 January 2025 |title=Asda ditches Aldi and Lidl price-match scheme just a year after launch |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/28/asda-ditches-aldi-lidl-price-match-scheme |access-date=10 February 2025 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> thumb|The new Rollback advertising at an Asda supermarket. This campaign was reintroduced in January 2025. In January 2025, Asda reintroduced the "Rollback" campaign, which aimed to cut back prices on over 4,000 products by an average of 25%, with additional thousands over regular intervals over the year. The 'Asda Price' campaign was also reintroduced again in the same month.<ref>{{cite news |last=Louis |first=Yasmeen |date=30 January 2025 |title=Asda brings back Rollback price cuts on over 4,000 products |url=https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2025/01/30/asda-rollback-tv-advert/ |access-date=10 February 2025 |work=Grocery Gazette}}</ref>
===Energy drinks=== In January 2018, Asda became one of the first supermarkets to ban selling energy drinks such as Red Bull to under-16s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/asda-aldi-ban-sales-red-bull-16s/|title=Asda and Aldi to ban sale of Red Bull and other energy drinks to under-16s|work=iNews |date=18 January 2018}}</ref>
===Ethical trading=== Asda has signed up to the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which respects workers' rights for freedom of association and a living wage. Implementing this initiative is difficult, however, because the concept of a living wage varies by country and the buying strategies of a major importer like Asda have an indirect impact on national minimum wages by obliging governments to set them low enough to stop businesses from going elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.cleanupfashion.co.uk/companies/asda.php |title = Clean Up Fashion; Asda Walmart |access-date = 23 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061220070605/http://www.cleanupfashion.co.uk/companies/asda.php |archive-date = 20 December 2006 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Industry pressure groups such as Labour Behind the Label and War on Want have argued that Asda and other budget retailers use unethical labour practices in the developing world to keep UK prices low.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fashion Victims|url=http://www.waronwant.org/campaigns/supermarkets/fashion-victims/inform/13593-fashion-victims|date=15 December 2006|website=War on Want|access-date=18 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314033909/http://www.waronwant.org/campaigns/supermarkets/fashion-victims/inform/13593-fashion-victims|archive-date=14 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fashion Victims II |url=http://www.waronwant.org/campaigns/supermarkets/fashion-victims/inform/16360-fashion-victims-ii |date=1 December 2008 |website=War on Want |access-date=18 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302054854/http://waronwant.org/campaigns/supermarkets/fashion-victims/inform/16360-fashion-victims-ii |archive-date=2 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The National Farmers' Union, representing UK farmers and growers, has argued that Asda and other major supermarkets have made large profits and kept consumer prices low "by squeezing suppliers' margins to the point where many of them have gone out of business".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfuonline.com/x16312.xml |title=Dismay at commitment to cheap food by ASDA |access-date=30 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314022517/http://www.nfuonline.com/x16312.xml |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref>
In 2009, Asda's Valentine's Day roses, sold at £2 for a dozen, were said to be ethically sourced by the supermarket. This claim went against research carried out by War on Want.<ref>{{cite web|title=£2 Valentine flowers poverty alert|url=http://www.waronwant.org/news/press-releases/16464-p2-valentine-flowers-poverty-alert|date=13 February 2009|website=War on Want|access-date=18 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216084007/http://waronwant.org/news/press-releases/16464-p2-valentine-flowers-poverty-alert|archive-date=16 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Charities=== As of 2020, Asda supported the following charities through its stores: * BBC Children in Need – appeal organised by the BBC.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/bbc-children-in-need-and-asda-launch-20th-fundraising-campaign-together.html |title=BBC Children in Need and Asda launch their 20th fundraising campaign |publisher=Civil Society |date=4 November 2020 |access-date=3 April 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508105845/https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/bbc-children-in-need-and-asda-launch-20th-fundraising-campaign-together.html |url-status=live }}</ref> * Breast Cancer Care – women's cancer research.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.colerainetimes.co.uk/lifestyle/asda-colleagues-coleraine-get-tickled-pink-breast-cancer-awareness-month-2027008|title=Asda colleagues in Coleraine get 'Tickled Pink' for Breast Cancer Awareness Month|date=30 September 2019|newspaper=Coleraine Times|access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> * Everyman – men's cancer research.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://veritylondon.co.uk/work/asda|title=Motivating your people to save lives|work=Verity London |access-date=3 April 2021|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814120712/https://veritylondon.co.uk/work/asda/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Asda Foundation – supporting local causes of Asda store workers, with projects supported across the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://emmaus.org.uk/oxford/asda-foundation-grant/|title=Emmaus Oxford receives grant from Asda Foundation|date=17 August 2020|publisher=Emmaus|access-date=3 April 2021|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129012607/https://emmaus.org.uk/oxford/asda-foundation-grant/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Market share== The market share for Asda varied over time, peaking at 17.6% in 2012 and is falling since then. {| class="wikitable" !Date !Market share !Source |- |January 2025 |12.6% |<ref name="Louis-2025">{{cite news |last=Louis |first=Yasmeen |date=4 February 2025 |title=Lidl and Ocado thrive as Asda's market share slumps |url=https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2025/02/04/lidl-ocado-thrive-asdas-slump/ |work=Grocery Gazette |access-date=10 February 2025 }}</ref> |- |November 2024 |12.5% |<ref>{{cite news |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=12 November 2024 |title=Asda market share tumbles as sales drop|url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/11/asdas-market-share/#:~:text=The%20supermarket%20chain's%20market%20share,food%20offer |access-date=10 February 2025 |work=Retail Gazette}}</ref> |- |September 2024 |12.6% |<ref name="Craft-2024a">{{cite web |last=Craft |first=Mark |date=10 September 2024 |title=Sales At Asda Continue To Slide; Consumers Remain Concerned About High Grocery Prices – KamCity |url=https://www.kamcity.com/namnews/uk-and-ireland/supermarkets/sales-at-asda-continue-to-slide-consumers-remain-concerned-about-high-grocery-prices/ |access-date=10 January 2025 }}</ref> |- |July 2024 |12.0% |<ref>{{cite news |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=24 July 2024 |title=Data: Asda and Morrisons lose market share as Aldi falters |work=Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/07/asda-morrisons-market-share/ |access-date=10 January 2025 }}</ref> |- |June 2024 |12.8% |<ref>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Georgia |date=18 June 2024 |title=Data: Asda market share to fall as Aldi closes the gap |work=Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/06/asda-market-share-aldi/ |access-date=10 January 2025 }}</ref> |- |April 2024 |12.6% |<ref name="Craft-2024b">{{cite web |last=Craft |first=Mark |date=2 May 2024 |title=Slight Slowdown In Supermarket Sales; Asda And Aldi Lose Market Share – KamCity |url=https://www.kamcity.com/namnews/uk-and-ireland/supermarkets/shoppers-spend-less-on-groceries-asda-and-aldi-lose-market-share/ |access-date=10 January 2025 }}</ref> |- |January 2024 |13.6% |<ref name="Louis-2025" /> |- |September 2023 |13.8% |<ref name="Craft-2024a" /> |- |April 2023 |13.3% |<ref name="Craft-2024b" /> |- |September 2022 |14.1% |<ref>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Georgia |date=13 September 2022 |title=Aldi officially overtakes Morrisons as the UK's fourth largest supermarket |work=Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2022/09/aldi-overtakes-morrisons-2/ |access-date=10 January 2025 }}</ref> |- |June 2021 |13.9% |<ref name="Jahshan-2021">{{cite news |last=Jahshan |first=Elias |date=22 June 2021 |title=Grocery sales slip 1.6% but still remain £3.3bn above pre-pandemic levels |work=Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2021/06/grocery-sales-slip-1-6-but-still-remain-3-3bn-above-pre-pandemic-levels/ |access-date=10 January 2025 }}</ref> |- |June 2020 |14.1% |<ref name="Jahshan-2021" /> |- |June 2019 |14.9% |<ref>{{cite web |date=25 June 2019 |title=Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons lose more market share to Aldi and Lidl |url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/222754/tesco-sainsbury-s-asda-and-morrisons-lose-more-market-share-to-aldi-and-lidl-222754.html?rel=scroll |access-date=10 January 2025 |website=Proactiveinvestors UK }}</ref> |- |April 2018 |15.5% |<ref>{{cite news |date=1 May 2018 |title=Market share data confirms Sainsbury's-Asda merger could end Tesco's monopoly |work=Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2018/05/market-share-data-confirms-sainsburys-asda-merger-could-end-tescos-monopoly/ |access-date=10 January 2025 }}</ref> |- |November 2015 |16.4% |<ref>{{cite news |date=17 November 2015 |title=Aldi and Lidl double market share in three years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34842198 |access-date=10 January 2025 |work=BBC News }}</ref> |- |November 2013 |17.2% |<ref name="Butler-2013">{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Sarah |last2=Bowers |first2=Simon |date=19 November 2013 |title=Britain's big supermarkets lose ground to cut-price rivals and upmarket grocers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/19/britain-supermarkets-market-share-fall-tesco-sainsburys-lidl |access-date=10 January 2025 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> |- |November 2012 |17.6% |<ref name="Butler-2013" /> |- |May 2010 |16.8% |<ref>{{cite web |date=25 May 2010 |title=Asda loses market share while Waitrose gains |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/may/25/asda-tesco-supermarkets-sales |access-date=10 January 2025 |website=The Guardian }}</ref> |}
==Award== * March 2009: Voted ''Innovative Employer of the Year'', at the Oracle Retail Week Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asda-press.co.uk/pressrelease/292|title=Asda Named Britain's Most Innovative Employer|publisher=Asda Press Centre |date=20 March 2009 | access-date=25 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405205301/http://www.asda-press.co.uk/pressrelease/292|archive-date=5 April 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Yorkshire|Food|Companies}}{{col div|colwidth=30em}} * 2007 UK petrol contamination * European Marketing Distribution purchasing organization * List of convenience stores * List of department stores * List of hypermarkets * List of superstores * List of supermarkets * Asda Stores Ltd v Brierley{{colend}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
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==External links== {{commons category|Asda}} * {{Official website|https://www.asda.com/}}
{{UK supermarkets}} {{Walmart}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Asda Category:Dairy products companies of the United Kingdom Category:1949 establishments in England Category:1999 mergers and acquisitions Category:2021 mergers and acquisitions Category:Clothing retailers of the United Kingdom Category:Companies based in Leeds Category:Companies formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange Category:Retail companies established in 1949 Category:Hypermarkets Category:Private equity portfolio companies