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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Dec- 2020 -17 DecemberNews
Lidl adverts ‘misleading’, rules ASA
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled that the recommended retail prices (RRP) in a series of Lidl adverts were “misleading”, after the authority received a complaint from competitor chain Aldi. The adverts, which ran between April and May of this year, were featured across national press as well as…
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Jul- 2020 -14 JulyComment
Risk, regulation and reputation: The three ‘R’s for retailers
The three ‘R’s are the building blocks for our children’s education. The joy of re-visiting these as a parent-teacher in lockdown has not been unbridled, but a necessary and worthwhile investment that will hopefully reap dividends. Retailers devising survival strategies likewise need a diligent focus on the three ‘R’s of…
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Aug- 2019 -14 AugustAdvice
COMMENT: First bans for ads breaking UK gender stereotyping rules
As we reported back in May 2018 in the post “CAP considers new rule against harmful gender stereotyping” a review by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the Committees of Advertising Practice’s (CAP), which are responsible for writing and maintaining UK advertising codes) has introduced a new rule on banning harmful…
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Apr- 2019 -15 AprilLuxury Goods
Harvey’s scolded over delivery claims
Furniture retailer, Harvey’s has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over claims of “guaranteed Christmas delivery”. A complainant questioned whether the claims, which were followed by the words “selected items only” in smaller text, were “misleading” and could be substantiated. In response to the claims Harvey’s said it…
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Mar- 2019 -21 MarchOnline & Digital
Carphone Warehouse rebuked over ‘Cyber Monday’ promotion
Carphone Warehouse has been rebuked by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over an iPhone promotion. Four complainants who had attempted to take up the offer which stated “Apple iPhone XR £36.00 P/M free handset 100GB data cyber monday”, and were later told their order could not be processed, challenged whether…
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Feb- 2019 -15 FebruaryEntertainment
Zavvi blasted by ASA over Disneyland prize draw after winners complain
Online retailer entertainment retailer, Zavvi has been told not to run a competition again in “its current form” by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), after the winners were denied their prize as the retailer told them they had “responded too late”. The prize draw offered customers who paid with Mastercard…
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6 FebruaryElectrical
Currys PC World scolded by ASA over 10% off sale
Currys PC World has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over a “10% off marked price” sale, which “misleadingly” suggested “a genuine saving was available” according to the regulator. A complainant told the ASA that they understood that the Samsung Family Hub American-Style Smart Fridge Freezer had been…
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Jan- 2019 -17 JanuaryOnline & Digital
StubHub reprimanded over rescheduling refunds
Online ticket retailer, StubHub has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), after it had advertised that “every order is 100% guaranteed” with its ‘FanProtect’ scheme, however the ASA found that “refunds did not apply to rescheduled events”. The issue was raised when a complainant challenged whether the fact…
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11 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Boohoo falls foul of ASA again over fur pom poms
Online retailer, Boohoo, has been reprimanded by the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) again after it was found to be advertising a jumper as “faux fur” which had pom poms that were in fact made from real fur. The advert stated the item of clothing on sale was a “faux fur…
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Dec- 2018 -14 DecemberGovernment
CAP bans ‘harmful’ adverts featuring gender stereotypes
The Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) has announced it is to ban “harmful” adverts featuring gender stereotypes. CAP’s ban comes after regulator, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), commissioned a review of gender stereotyping in advertising. Following the review, CAP said it would ban adverts featuring “gender stereotypes that are likely…
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