Will ASDA go to the wall?

[Fridayhermit]

My nearest big supermarket is ASDA and because I no longer drive due to disability, it is convenient. I have shopped there since I moved here over 30 years ago (and even worked there for a couple of years while having caring responsibilities). But I went in today and the shelves are half empty there are so few staff about and there is no vibe or buzz about the place which I remember it definitely used to have. Is it just my local store or are all branches equally devoid of staff and stock?

It’s the same here in Sussex - Store is Half empty. They have started doing weekend special offers on the reward app but never seemed to have the special offer items in stock. Last weekend I asked a member of staff if I was just being unlucky and missing out every week and the shop assistant told me they weren’t being sent the stock for the special offers!

@Fridayhermit your Asda sounds exactly like mine shocking but right about everything staff dressing up , we are lucky we are getting a home bargins and Iceland slapbang right beside them and all 3 less than 5 mins from me

One of the brothers sold his shares in Asda and walked away, the other brother admitted he couldn't run the business on his own so they (the remaining brother and the new investor) have recently appointed someone to take over so hopefully things will pick up next year. Asda will never be as good as it was when it was owned by Walmart.

Got fed up with all the substitutes, products missing so switched to Ocado. So much better and they're not that much more expensive.

I don't go to the big one but we have a little one (not the tiny petrol ones) and it's always bare. I popped in the other day for a few things the other day and there was no bread or milk.

Went to pay and the self service were roped off, there were no tolls open and the kiosk had a sign saying they can no longer accept grocery sales at the kiosk. So you just can't buy anything then...

It was at its best before Walmart owned it and it was British owned. That was many decades ago now though.

we live not far from a huge Asda.
I get an online weekly shop from them.

I have not had any problems, local shop full and busy and plenty on the shelves.
Staff are good. Actually I have commented a lot over the years about how polite and helpful the Asda staff are.

My online dleivery is usually fine, the drivers are unfailingly polite and helpful and refund anything I don't want.
They had problems with their system last week, but my delivery arrived complete and on time.
We've never had any problems with rotten fruit etc that others mention.

I do think the local managers, especially the local delivery managers make a difference, but I just don't see the problems that others are complaining about.

You should use a greengrocer for much longer lasting fruit and veg, plus it's usually more locally sourced and cheaper

I have been saying this since the Issa brothers took over. It’s getting worse and worse. Our store looks like a half empty warehouse, staff are few and far between and stressed out. The new Exceptional range is exceptional for all the wrong reasons. I can see it going under within 5 years. It’s our nearest supermarket and it would be a great loss for our area if it goes.

It really isn’t, I love George clothing. Tesco clothes are awful, and Tu has gone downhill.

I used to love asda

I'd buy my bras from there,the kids Christmas/birthday presents,cards,clothes,pyjamas,shoes etc with my weekly shop

Slowly,it started to go downhill-staff where rude,the undies went crap,the dates where short,no stock and it was just a crap experience

I gave up when I visited my hometown store and we went into the cafe

Ds,his girlfriend and dp all got a mug each to serve themselves a coffee from the machine

I don't drink coffee so bought a tea

Was handed the mug but there where no tea bags to be seen,so I politely asked for one

'Got none left' came the answer and the member of staff just walked away on me

I had to chase them for a refund-they seemed to think a tea bag wasn't necessary to make a cup of tea!

Plus,the tables and chairs where filthy-no staff in sight to wipe them-I had to use my gd's baby wipes to give everything a wipe down

It's gone downhill fast and I have no desire to go back

It's a shame as I used to love it

Our local one is awful! Empty shelves, products just plonked anywhere and no price, the delivery and click and collect is awful, always loads of substitutes and the prices are not that great anymore.

And the cafe is crap too!!

Our local huge asda is grim, run down and dirty...all the food concessions stands have long gone leaving empty spaces.....i stopped going months ago and feel better as its busy with people ramming trolleys at you....8 family members having an arguement in front of the tea or coffee so you cant get to it etc...we not travel 5 mins extra to the new aldi...lovely staff and no issues with items out of stock.

Yes, I've found that they don't ever seem to have the stock for special offers! I don't have an Asda close but I've been getting home deliveries from them, Tesco and Sainsburys since Covid.

I stopped shopping with them earlier this year because of the constant shortages in stock. They actually refunded me £65 from my monthly delivery charge because I hadn't used it enough so I did an order last week. Schweppes Slimline was on offer, so I ordered 9, or so I thought. I had actually ordered soda water which I hate! Handed it back to the delivery guy who told me that their system for doing doorstep refunds was down so I would have to do it online. I did, and they refused the refund! I had to spend time ringing them and arguing my case to get my money back! Was not impressed!

Finding one is a challenge!! And even if you do, I find that fruit in particular is just tasteless!

Horrible stores , myany of which need a big refurb and sell vast amounts of crap too -

My nearest store has hardly any fresh fruit and veg, and products such as cheese and yoghurt are bizarrely expensive. When I wanted to buy a gift voucher for my niece who just had a baby, their system was not working so they couldn’t sell it to me. I no longer use the shop, although I feel sorry for the staff, who were always helpful and pleasant.

Ours can be hit and miss for items and there is no customer service especially on the scan as you shop tills. They are usually stood around talking when you need something or only one staff member on.

I think it's not just Asda, it started just after Brexit with empty shelves then it seemed like they got the hang of it but it's not quite back 100% maybe 85% but still noticeable. Home delivery is also a big factor, last time I went to the local Asda there seemed to be almost as many pickers as customers.

Our Asdas are fully stocked and really busy. I think a lot of problems in some shops are lack of staff with no one to refill the shelves.

Yep some still do but few and far between now

Ours is always well stocked. But ours isn't a big one compared to some I've been to in cities. Only one floor so I guess less space to fill.

What really was the nail in the coffin,was when I downloaded their rewards app
Half the time it didn't work,but I'd managed to get about £12 in rewards
'Fab,we'll do our Christmas shop there and spend them along with any other pounds I've collected' I said to dp
Went to check them just before christmas-theyd wiped the lot as I hadn't spent them within 6 months of the first time I'd used it
(It is in the t&c's but in the world's smallest writting and id missed it)
Sod that,it was very short sighted of them,I've never had any other supermarket do that,so I deleted it and never went back

I suspect that ASDA are not paying their suppliers so are on the stop, hence short stock.