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- 2018 -5 DecemberOnline & Digital
Boohoo found to be ‘breaking rules around sales promotions’
Online clothing retailer, Boohoo, has been found to have been “breaking rules around sales promotions” by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The ASA was alerted to the issue after an episode of the BBC’s Watchdog Live programme, which found that between August and November 2018, Boohoo had 14 sales advertised…
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Nov- 2018 -16 NovemberHealth & Beauty
Superdrug warned by ASA over ‘free gifts’
Superdrug has been warned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over a ‘free gift’ promotion which offered a free hand towel when customers bought certain products. One complainant said they had bought the “three black and Asian hair products” required to be eligible for the free ‘ORS Magic Hair Towel’,…
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Oct- 2018 -17 OctoberClothing & Shoes
ASA warns Laura Ashley over ‘misleading advertising’
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has warned Laura Ashley that its “misleading” advertising emails which offered specific savings “must not appear again in their current form” unless it was able to prove the claims. The ASA also said the retailer must “ensure that their future advertising did not make savings…
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10 OctoberOnline & Digital
Nasty Gal adverts banned over ‘unhealthily thin’ model
Three TV advertisements for online retailer Nasty Girl have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for featuring an “unhealthily underweight” model. The ASA’s assessment of the ads found that while the female model in the ads generally appeared to be “in proportion”, there were specific scenes which “drew…
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10 OctoberSupermarkets
Lidl reprimanded by ASA over ‘Special Offers’ adverts
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has told Lidl one of its ads “must not appear again in its current form”, after an advert in a Northern Irish store led a customer to believe fruit and vegetables would be available for 49p between 16 April and 22 April. Lidl’s advert was…
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4 OctoberOnline & Digital
Lightinthebox reprimanded by ASA for ‘misleading’ prices
British online clothing retailer Lightinthebox has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over an advert for men’s shoes. The advert for ‘Men’s Shoes Patent Leather Spring/Fall Comfort Oxfords Gray/Blue Burgundy’ text on the advert stated “GBP £34.11(crossed through) £19.74 (43% off)”. Lower down on the page text stated…
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Sep- 2018 -27 SeptemberOnline & Digital
Amazon banned from selling food supplements as ‘slimming aids’ without evidence
Amazon has been banned from selling food supplements categorised under ‘Slimming Aids and Weight Loss’ for being misleading to the customer. Upon investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Amazon said that category heading operated as a “signpost”, allowing customers to navigate through the website, however, the retailer added that…
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12 SeptemberHigh Street
Game reprimanded by ASA for ‘misleading’ advert
Game has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after a complainant claimed an advert suggested the company only accepted trade-ins depending on the age of a game. The advert showed a man handing down a game to his son whilst telling him the history behind his ownership of…
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Aug- 2018 -15 August
Amazon Prime one-day delivery ad banned by ASA
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has now banned Amazon from advertising one-day delivery on it’s Prime service after it was found to be “misleading”. Earlier this week the ASA had asked the online retail giant to “clarify” its its ‘one-day’ delivery claims for Prime customers after the regulatory body received…
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13 AugustOnline & Digital
Amazon told to clarify ‘one-day’ delivery claims
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has told Amazon to clarify its ‘one-day’ delivery claims for Prime customers, after the regulatory body called it “misleading”. Around 270 customers reported not receiving their items until after the next day. The ASA said customers were “likely to understand that, so long as they…
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