Editing Asda (section)

===Expansion===
In April 2010, Asda announced plans to open over 100 new non-food stores as part of an ambitious five-year plan. These plans were mothballed shortly after because of the recession and the reining in of spending by consumers on non-food purchases.<ref name="test">{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2010/04/asda-takes-aim-tesco-new-stores |title=Asda takes aim at Tesco with new stores | work=[[New Statesman]] | date=16 April 2010}}</ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2025}}

On 11 May 2010, [[Andy Clarke (businessman)|Andy Clarke]], the chief operating officer, was appointed as CEO.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7711304/Asda-promotes-Andy-Clarke-to-chief-executive.html | url-access = subscription |title=Asda promotes Andy Clarke to chief executive |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=11 May 2010 | first=James | last=Hall | date=11 May 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100514082258/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7711304/Asda-promotes-Andy-Clarke-to-chief-executive.html| archive-date= 14 May 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> In the same month Asda bought the original [[Netto UK]] supermarket chain in a £778&nbsp;million deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/store-rebrand-brings-new-jobs-2693836|title=Store rebrand brings new jobs to Caernarfon|date=19 April 2013|work=Daily Post|access-date=16 October 2020|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129071739/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/store-rebrand-brings-new-jobs-2693836|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2011, Asda announced the purchase of six stores from [[Focus DIY]]; five of these were converted into supermarkets later that year.<ref name="retailgazette">{{cite news| url=http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/04434-asda-purchases-six-focus-diy-stores| publisher=retailgazette| date=27 May 2010| title=Asda purchases six Focus DIY stores| access-date=27 May 2010| archive-date=28 February 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228042328/http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/04434-asda-purchases-six-focus-diy-stores| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.everythingaberystwyth.co.uk/strict-planning-regulations-may-scuttle-asda-plans/ |title=Plans To Open Aberystwyth ADSA Dealt Blow By Council |work=Everything Aberystwyth |date=6 July 2011 |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227084826/http://www.everythingaberystwyth.co.uk/strict-planning-regulations-may-scuttle-asda-plans/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 16 April 2012, Asda launched their [[Android (operating system)|Android]] grocery shopping app and mobile website for non-grocery items with a plan to fully integrate mobile platforms into stores. The app allowed customers to create shopping lists and scan item barcodes for more information about them.<ref>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Rosie |date=16 April 2012 |title=Asda expands m-commerce platform|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/asda-expands-m-commerce-platform/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=Marketing Week |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204115907/https://www.marketingweek.com/asda-expands-m-commerce-platform/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2013, DNA tests revealed that [[horsemeat]] was present in meat supplied by many UK suppliers. When Asda's Chosen By You fresh beef [[bolognese sauce]] was the first instance found, Asda said: "We are withdrawing the beef bolognese sauce from our shelves with immediate effect." Asda later stated they shared food shoppers' "anger and outrage".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/feb/14/horsemeat-beef-tests|title=Horsemeat found in 'fresh beef' as tests overwhelm laboratories|work=The Guardian|access-date=15 February 2013|location=London|first1=Damian|last1=Carrington|first2=James|last2=Meikle|first3=Simon|last3=Neville|date=14 February 2013|archive-date=25 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725105802/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/feb/14/horsemeat-beef-tests|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2013, Asda withdrew a "Tranny-saurus Rex" greeting card range from its shelves following complaints that it was offensive to the transgender community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/08/15/tranny-saurus-goes-extinct-asda-pulls-offensive-greeting-cards|title='Tranny-saurus' goes extinct as ASDA pulls offensive greeting cards|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722143830/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/08/15/tranny-saurus-goes-extinct-asda-pulls-offensive-greeting-cards|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/walmart-owned-supermarket-pulls-insensitive-tranny-sauraus-greeting-card-20130813|title=Walmart-Owned Supermarket Pulls Insensitive "Tranny-sauraus" Greeting Card|date=13 August 2013|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722143830/https://www.queerty.com/walmart-owned-supermarket-pulls-insensitive-tranny-sauraus-greeting-card-20130813|url-status=live}}</ref>

During [[Pride Month]] in June 2020, amidst the background of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 Pandemic]], ASDA said on [[Twitter]] that its temporary LGBT Pride branding, including the use of the [[Rainbow flag (LGBT)|Rainbow Flag]], was adopted in support of the [[National Health Service|NHS]], and not in support of Pride. Asda later released a statement, stating that this previous tweet was an "honest mistake" and reiterated that these were indeed the "colours of the pride flag to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community".<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=ASDA Service Team on X |url=https://x.com/AsdaServiceTeam/status/1268563473400844294 |access-date=23 July 2024 |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730043500/https://x.com/AsdaServiceTeam/status/1268563473400844294 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the website ''QueerAF'', Asda has been accused several times of [[Homophobia|homophobic]] and [[Transphobia|transphobic]] behaviour, with a notable "history of transphobia from the brand".<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=27 July 2024 |title=Asda apologises for transphobic card, deadnaming and in-store incident |url=https://www.wearequeeraf.com/asda-apologises-for-transphobic-card-deadnaming-and-in-store-incident/ |access-date=27 July 2024 |website=[[QueerAF]] }}</ref> Asda has stated it supports [[LGBT Pride]] and a diverse workforce.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asdaforbusiness.co.uk/pride-month-supporting-your-lgbtq-employees/|title=Pride Month: supporting your LGBTQ+ employees|date=15 June 2022 |access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asda.com/creating-change-for-better/social/great-place-to-work/|title=Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI)|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120034110/https://www.asda.com/creating-change-for-better/social/great-place-to-work/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ASDALogo-2017.svg|thumb|Logo of Asda from 2015]]
In 2015, Asda adopted Walmart's slogan: "Save Money. Live Better". Around the same time they adopted an updated logo, with Walmart's yellow spark surrounding the first letter. The spark was later removed.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.marketingweek.com/asda-brings-back-the-pocket-tap-as-it-kicks-of-new-chapter-on-50th-anniversary/ | title=Asda brings back the pocket tap as it kicks off 'new chapter' on 50th anniversary | first=Sarah | last=Vizard | work=[[Marketing Week]] | date=6 July 2015 }}</ref>

In June 2016, it was announced that Andy Clarke, CEO since 2010, would be replaced by [[Sean Clarke]], the head of parent company Walmart's operations in China.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36515870|title=Asda chief Andy Clarke to be replaced by Sean Clarke|work=BBC News|date=13 June 2016|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808072549/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36515870|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/13/asda-boss-andy-clarke-bows-out/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/13/asda-boss-andy-clarke-bows-out/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Asda boss Andy Clarke bows out|newspaper=The Telegraph |date=13 June 2016 |access-date=20 July 2016|last1=Armstrong |first1=Ashley }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/asda-brings-in-walmart-boss-sean-clarke-to-take-over-as-chief-executive-a3270101.html|title=Asda brings in Walmart boss to take over as chief executive|date=13 June 2016|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-date=21 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721022338/http://www.standard.co.uk/business/asda-brings-in-walmart-boss-sean-clarke-to-take-over-as-chief-executive-a3270101.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2017, Asda announced that the current CEO, Sean Clarke would be replaced by [[Roger Burnley]], the deputy CEO, from 1 January 2018, and the sixth CEO since 2000.<ref name=sky-20171030>{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/asda-gets-another-new-general-for-market-share-battle-with-rivals-11105930 |title=Asda gets (another) new boss for market share battle with rivals |last=King |first=Ian |publisher=Sky News |date=30 October 2017 |access-date=30 October 2017 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030180647/http://news.sky.com/story/asda-gets-another-new-general-for-market-share-battle-with-rivals-11105930 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bl-20171030>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2017-10-30/wal-mart-s-u-k-ceo-swap-can-t-cure-a-sales-struggle |title=Wal-Mart's U.K. CEO Swap Can't Cure a Sales Struggle |last=Felsted |first=Andrea |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=30 October 2017 |access-date=30 October 2017 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030191659/https://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2017-10-30/wal-mart-s-u-k-ceo-swap-can-t-cure-a-sales-struggle |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2017, Asda recruited Jesús Lorente, from French hypermarket retailer [[Carrefour]]. He became CMO (Chief Merchandising Officer), in January 2018, and was put in charge of the fresh food and general merchandise offer within all stores. After reportedly clashing with Roger Burnley and only six months in his post, Lorente left Asda at the end of July 2018. His role was divided up between Burnley and Anthony Hemmerdinger.<ref name="TheGrocer">{{cite web|url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/movers/lorente-to-leave-asda-after-six-months-as-merchandising-head/569953.article|title=Jesús Lorente to leave Asda after six months as chief merchandising officer|last=Quinn|first=Ian|publisher=The Grocer|access-date=30 March 2019|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330092547/https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/movers/lorente-to-leave-asda-after-six-months-as-merchandising-head/569953.article|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Abandoned merger with Sainsbury's====
In April 2018, Sainsbury's and Walmart announced negotiations about a possible merger of Sainsbury's and Asda, creating the largest supermarket chain in the UK.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tovey|first= Alan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/04/28/sainsburys-mulls-asda-tie-up-create-supermarket-giant/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/04/28/sainsburys-mulls-asda-tie-up-create-supermarket-giant/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Sainsbury's in 'advanced' discussions over £10bn-plus merger with Asda to create supermarket giant |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=28 April 2018 |access-date=8 February 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Under the plans, Walmart would own 42% of the combined business,<ref>{{cite web | title=Mike Coupe on creating a dynamic new player in UK retail | via=[[YouTube]] | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=10s&v=tHvvH0E7hdM | date=30 April 2018 | access-date=1 May 2018 | archive-date=7 October 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007152731/https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=10s&v=tHvvH0E7hdM | url-status=live }}</ref> which would be led by the existing chief executive of Sainsbury's, Mike Coupe. The group would also open branches of [[Argos (retailer)|Argos]] within Asda stores. The merger underwent intense scrutiny by a cross-party group of MPs, chairing select committees for the proposed merger, along with the Competition and Markets Authority, investigating the impact of how the deal could negatively affect the retail industry by a possible reduction of consumer choice for shoppers resulting in price rises, and of how suppliers, especially smaller, family-owned companies could be squeezed by the combined group. The CMA were inundated with complaints by suppliers and other major retailers of the damage they felt would be inflicted upon them if the deal was approved.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sainsbury's vows Asda deal will cut prices|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43945254|access-date=30 April 2018|work=BBC News|date=30 April 2018|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430063952/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43945254|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 April 2019 the CMA blocked the proposed merger, suggesting that it would increase prices for consumers and make competition unfair for the other UK retailers, Sainsbury's then announced that it was abandoning the merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/219067/sainsbury-s-and-walmart-s-asda-abandon-merger-after-competition-watchdog-rejects-deal-219067.html|title=Sainsbury's and Walmart's Asda abandon merger after competition watchdog rejects deal|date=25 April 2019|website=Proactiveinvestors UK|access-date=2 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502133346/https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/219067/sainsbury-s-and-walmart-s-asda-abandon-merger-after-competition-watchdog-rejects-deal-219067.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Nils Pratley]] in 2025 summarised the Walmart years in one sentence: "The business underperformed for years under Walmart’s ownership".<ref name=pratley>{{cite news| last=Pratley | first=Nils|author-link=Nils Pratley| title=Why does Asda terrify stock market investors? |newspaper=The Guardian | date=19 March 2025 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2025/mar/19/asda-stock-market-supermarket-price-war-tesco-sainsburys-m-and-s | access-date=19 March 2025}}</ref>