Asda
This coverage explores Asda’s strategy, operations, and performance within the UK grocery and retail sector. Reporting highlights store and online developments, product ranges, pricing strategies, financial results, leadership decisions, and sustainability initiatives. With a focus on commercial outcomes and competitive positioning, it provides insights for retail professionals managing grocery, value-driven, and multi-channel operations.
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Apr- 2025 -3 AprilFeatures
Is going private the next big trend in retail?
Walgreens Boots Alliance was acquired by the American private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal valued at up to $23.7bn (£18.3 billion). Around the same time, Pepco Group, owner of Poundland, received interest from potential buyers for its 825-store Poundland business in the UK. With major retailers opting for…
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1 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
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1 AprilSupermarkets
Supermarket sales jump 1.8% amid increased promotions
Take-home supermarket sales increased by 1.8% over the four weeks to 23 March 2025 compared with one year ago – the slowest rate since June last year, according to the latest data from Kantar. It comes as retailers’ price cuts were responsible for £2.6bn of promotional spending, 8.8% more than…
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1 AprilSupermarkets
Asda launches facial recognition trial in five stores
Asda has announced that it has begun trialling Live Facial Recognition in five of its stores in Greater Manchester. The supermarket is aiming to assess if this technology can be used to improve staff and customer safety in store. The technology is integrated into Asda’s existing CCTV network and works…
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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchFeatures
Tesco’s free food trial: a game-changer in tackling food waste?
Tesco’s new initiative to give away close-to-expiry food for free is making waves in the UK’s retail and sustainability circles. With an increasing focus on food waste reduction, this trial could signal a significant shift in how supermarkets might handle surplus products. But could this move from the UK’s largest…
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28 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/3/25
WHSmith has agreed to sell its high street retail arm to Modella Capital in a £76m deal, marking a significant shift for the historic brand. The acquisition includes around 480 stores across the UK, which will be rebranded as TGJones. WHSmith will retain its travel and international operations, including stores…
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28 MarchSupermarkets
Asda unveils £80m investment into retail pay
Asda has announced an £80m investment in retail pay to increase hourly rates for store-based colleagues to £12.60 from October. Circa 115,000 Asda Retail and Asda Express colleagues will receive an above inflation increase of 4.7% in three phases, taking rates from £12.04 to £12.60 per hour. Hourly rates for…
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24 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-24/3/25
Harrods is nearing the finalisation of compensation payments for victims of sexual abuse by its former owner, Mohamed al Fayed, who died in 2023. According to draft terms seen by Sky News, some claimants could receive over £300k, depending on whether they opt for a psychiatric assessment. Those choosing the…
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24 MarchSupermarkets
Asda announces price cuts of up to 45% on 1500 products
Asda has announced it is cutting prices on 1,500 “family favourite” products by up to 45% both in store and online. This latest wave of Rollback price cuts means nearly 10,000 products—almost a third of Asda’s entire range—have been reduced in price since Asda brought back its price cut proposition…
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17 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-17/3/25
Fenwick, the family-owned retailer, is facing significant financial challenges, with pre-tax losses widening to £38.1m in the year to January 2024, up from £28.4m the previous year. The company has been operating at a loss for six years due to high inflation, increased costs, and tough market conditions. Despite efforts…
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