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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Feb- 2019 -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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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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