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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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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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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