Asda was formed in 1965 following the merger of Asquiths and Associated Dairies, and has established itself as one of the UK’s biggest supermarket players. The grocer is renowned for its focus on low prices and extensive product assortment, operating mainly from large out-of-town supermarkets and hypermarkets across the UK. Asda’s value proposition has come under threat from the rapid rise of discount duo Aldi and Lidl, but the retailer is increasingly seeking to narrow the price gap to retain its relevance among an increasingly savvy consumer base and maintain market share. As well as its core grocery business, Asda also operates the George clothing label, which launched in 1989, and George Home, which followed in 2014.
Asda and Marks & Spencer have launched pre-paid cards to help older, vulnerable and self-isolating customers have their shopping picked up by volunteers.
Walmart has shelved efforts to sell a majority stake in Asda so it can focus on running the business during the coronavirus pandemic.
The enormous efforts made by grocers and their supply chain partners over the past week are helping to bring stock levels under control. Over the last two to three days in particular, the situation has shown signs of easing, according to the latest availability figures from Edge by Ascential.
Supermarkets will be provided access to government databases to help prioritise deliveries to elderly and vulnerable customers.
Asda and Marks & Spencer have both implemented further in-store initiatives designed to keep staff and shoppers as safe as possible during the coronavirus outbreak.
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