Life after Sainsbury’s: Asda boss talks big tech investment plans

Asda will “accelerate its price position” and continue to invest in technology to power a “hassle free” shopping experience, following the CMA’s decision to bin its proposed merger with Sainsbury’s.

At a meeting involving its store, depot and Home Office managers, CEO Roger Burnley commented: “Forget the language of Plan A and Plan B – there has always been one clear strategy for Asda ... it requires momentum in the short-term, growth in the medium-term and sustainability in the long-term ... we need to prioritise and focus on what will make a difference to customers versus what won’t.”

This includes a test on same-day grocery delivery. Having recently launched mobile Scan and Go to customers in 25 stores, there are plans for a further roll-out over the course of the year. In addition, there will be additional Click and Collect collection towers installed in Asda stores.

Meanwhile, the retailer’s Stevenage store will become a ‘tech store’ where a range of new solutions will be implemented to “help understand the benefits of a number of different technologies working together”. And investment continues in George.com to improve the customer experience and ensure it is ready for next day Click and Collect later in the year. Burnley added that the in-store parcel collection service, ToYou, is delivering strong growth and allowing Asda to "work in partnership with complementary brands that our customers love and make our stores more attractive propositions to visit."

“We have a mountain to climb – continuing momentum, into growth, and ultimately, sustainability – but we can make a difference. We can be brilliant for our customers today. And we can be brilliant for our customers in the future,” he concluded.