Advertising Standards Authority
This coverage examines the Advertising Standards Authority’s rulings, guidance, and investigations as they impact UK retail marketing and promotions. With a focus on compliance, consumer protection, and brand reputation, the reporting helps retail professionals navigate advertising regulations, assess risks, and adapt campaigns to meet ASA standards — supporting informed decision-making for those managing retail communications and marketing strategy.
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Jul- 2025 -23 JulyClothing & Shoes
M&S ad banned over model’s ‘unhealthy’ appearance
A Marks and Spencer advertisement has been banned after the UK’s advertising watchdog ruled that it portrayed a model as “unhealthily thin”. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints from four members of the public over an image shown on the retailer’s app in April and May 2025. The image…
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Feb- 2025 -12 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-12/2/25
Kering, the luxury conglomerate behind Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta, reported a challenging fiscal 2024, with revenue falling 12% to €17.2 billion (£14.3 billion) and EBITDA plummeting 29% to €4.6 billion (£3.8 billion). Gucci’s 23% sales decline to €7.65 billion (£6.37 billion) significantly impacted the group, alongside a…
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Sep- 2024 -25 SeptemberNews
Today’s news in brief-25/9/24
Asos, facing significant financial challenges, has initiated consultations to potentially cut over 200 jobs at its head office. The move comes amidst a restructuring aimed at reversing recent heavy losses, including a £120m increase in half-year losses and an 18% decline in sales. Asos plans to streamline operations and focus…
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25 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
ASA bans ‘misleading’ Nike trainers advert
The Advertising Standards Authority has banned a Nike trainers ad for potentially misleading customers. The ad, which featured an image of a pair of trainers with the caption ‘Now just £26 at Nike!’, clicked through to a product listing on the Nike website but was only limited to sizes UK…
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Aug- 2024 -1 AugustDepartment Stores
ASA bans Debenhams advert after ‘misleading’ 60% off claim
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a Debenhams advert for “misleading” customers about a “60% off” claim. On 9 March 2024, a paid-for Facebook ad for Debenhams featured text that stated “Step into Spring with up to 60% off fashion, home and beauty at Debenhams”. Below, a carousel of…
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Jun- 2024 -24 JuneFeatures
Agility without complexity: navigating retail compliance the right way
Is your retail business future ready? Whether dealing with the ramifications of major political shifts, changes in legislation, economic uncertainty, or the difficulty of convincing cautious customers to spend, it is critical to plan a safe route through what lies ahead. With retailers already in the midst of another challenging…
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Jan- 2023 -9 JanuaryComment
Greenwashing vs ‘Greenhushing’ – how can businesses get it right?
Greenwashing has become a popular buzzword to describe how companies potentially mislead consumers through advertising and messaging by making environmental claims about products or services that do not stand up to scrutiny. The latest casualty to face allegations of greenwashing is clothing retailer H&M, who in the US are being…
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Jun- 2022 -8 JuneSupermarkets
Tesco accused of greenwashing in banned adverts for vegan burger
Tesco’s ‘Plant Chef’ vegan burger adverts have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after determining that it could be deemed as ‘misleading’. The ASA said the claim that the ‘Plant Chef’ burger was better for the environment could only be justified “if the advertised product provided a total…
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Apr- 2022 -6 AprilNews
ASA bans Lidl’s ‘misleading’ Tesco comparison ads
Two Lidl adverts showing how customers can make big savings at the supermarket compared to Tesco have been banned following a complaint from rival discounter Aldi. The two adverts in question ran in Scotland and claimed that customers can save over 35% and over 30% respectively at Lidl, compared to…
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Jun- 2021 -9 JuneSupermarkets
Aldi’s ‘price match’ complaint against Tesco dismissed by ASA
Aldi’s complaint against Tesco’s ‘price match’ campaign has been dismissed by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The German grocer launched a complaint against a press ad issued by Tesco last July – which aimed to compete with Aldi. The ad depicted a large roundel which stated “Aldi Price Match”. Further…
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