Asda

Asda community champion Tracy has struck up a close bond with 10-year-old Alexia on her regular visits to our Ware store with her mum Carly – so when Tracy heard Alexia needed cheering up after she had an accident she invited her in for a special day seeing what she does at work.

The pair became friends when Alexia gave Tracy drawings and stopped for a chat during the pandemic, so when Tracy heard Alexia had been in hospital after she was concussed on a water slide she wanted to return the favour and help lift her spirits. She said: "I thought as a nice little gesture I would invite her in to be my little companion. She is such a lovely girl; very bubbly, very studious and very well behaved. She really enjoyed coming in – she loved every moment of it. She didn't realise I did so much for charity so she helped me with some charity work and she's going to help me with some Tickled Pink fundraising."

Carly said: "Tracy and Alexia have been talking since lockdown and have developed such a good relationship. She always makes a beeline for Tracy when she comes into the store and goes to cuddle her. Tracy is such a lovely person. Alexia loved her special day with Tracy. She helped in the cafe, watered the plants outside and went on the tills. She even made a loaf cake. She's already got her tutu and wig to help Tracy during Tickled Pink next month!"

We’re really excited to announce that we have partnered with Giovanna Fletcher and Tom Fletcher to create this year’s official BBC Children in Need T-shirt. All the profits from the sale of the Tee will go to the charity. The official Tee is now available online and in store from 30th September. https://bit.ly/3MEaqTQ

McFly singer and guitarist Tom said: "When myself and Gi got the call to help design this year’s BBC Children in Need T-shirt we jumped at the opportunity. It was so fun to reimagine what the iconic Pudsey tee could look like if we transformed it into a band style tee celebrating all the ‘best bits’ of this amazing charity. Getting down to your local Asda to pick it up is an easy way to get involved with BBC Children in Need this year to raise vital funds to empower every child to thrive and be the best they can be."

A big thank you to Sue from our Queslett store who helped an elderly customer choose a new vacuum cleaner and then, after hearing the lady didn't have anyone who could help her with it, delivered it to her home herself.

Store manager Scott said: "Sue really made this customer's day by helping her out and going the extra mile. The elderly customer didn't have any family at hand to help her transport her new purchase home, so Sue decided to take matters into her own hands by driving the customer – and her Henry hoover – home. The customer was delighted with the service she received and we are all very proud of her. It's the definition of great service."

Sue, who's a section leader and has been at the store for 26 years, has been nominated for an Asda service superstar award for her kind act.

It was a double celebration for security colleague Mick from our Derby store who married fellow colleague Dee on his 70th birthday.

The couple – who met 14 years ago when they both worked in the same home and leisure aisle – tied the knot at Derby Register Office in front of family, friends and colleagues and held a big celebration for colleagues a few days later.

Mick said: "Dee is just a lovely, lovely person with a lovely personality. We get on really well. She is honest, genuine and caring." Dee, whose son Louie also works in the store, said: "Mick actually asked me if there was anybody I liked working with at the store and I replied 'yes you!' I like the fact that he's taller than me and his Scottish accent! He's kind, loving and caring and he changed mine and my son's lives really. He made it so much better."

Checkouts colleague and first-aider Sharon from our Tiptree supermarket knew exactly what to do when a three-year-old girl started to choke on a lollipop while out shopping with her mum.

Grandmother-of-six Sharon, who's worked at the store for eight years, stepped in to help the girl's mum as she was starting to panic. Sharon told the mum to give the girl a good sharp pat with the palm of her hand between her shoulder blades, pushing upwards. She said: "After a few goes the child coughed up half a lollipop, which was such a relief. I checked all her airwaves to make sure that they were all clear. She didn't need an ambulance, I just gave her a drink of water. I'm just so grateful that the little girl was fine at the end of the day. That's the main thing. The whole thing was over in seconds."

Deputy store manager Brett said: "Not only did she take over and save the child but she went the extra mile, as that's what Sharon is like, got the child a bottle of water and got her and her sister a toy each as they were a bit shaken up. She is an absolute asset to the store and she's ridiculously modest and humble too. She did what was right. She is an angel and the most amazing person."

Fitness guru Joe Wicks teamed up with Asda community champions Shahla and Jess from our Chadwell Heath and Edmonton Green stores to help launch our new Cashpot for Schools initiative.

The scheme allows our customers to raise money for their chosen primary school, simply by shopping with our Asda Rewards loyalty app.

Shahla said: "Customers simply need to select their primary school of choice within the app and make sure they scan every time they shop – we will donate 0.5% of the value of your basket to your chosen school which doesn't impact your own savings pot. What’s more we have kickstarted each school’s Cashpot with £50 once they have registered for the initiative, and will add an additional £1 to the school pot for every customer who signs up. Just search your school by name or postcode."

Speaking at the launch at at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, in Chingford, dad-of-four Joe said: "I know first-hand from the work I’ve done in schools just how much of a difference Cashpot for Schools is going to make to kids across the country. I feel incredibly proud to be part of such an important initiative with Asda, working with a partner that is as committed to supporting families as I am. From sports facilities to nutrition, Asda shoppers’ donations will have a huge impact on primary schools around the country – and after all, who doesn’t want the very best for their kids.”

Download the toolkit with everything you need to promote Cashpot for Schools with your community here: https://bit.ly/3z64MXh

Security colleague Richard from our Cwmbran store came to the rescue when a disabled customer accidentally locked her keys and phone in her car while she was getting out her mobility scooter.

Store manager Gareth said: "The lady was getting a bit distressed and didn't know what to do as she couldn't remember her husband's phone number either. Richard called the breakdown service and also a locksmith as a back up. He was due to finish his shift at 2pm, but stayed on and waited for the breakdown service to arrive so the customer wasn't alone. He even bought her a sandwich and a cup of tea. The lady said she was eternally grateful for Richard's kindness and assistance and said his support had made her bad day a much better one. Great service Richard, well done. We're all proud of you."

Richard, who’s worked at the store for 17 years, said: "The lady was very grateful. Anyone can get into a situation like that. I just like to help people and do my best."

Sisters Bev and Tracey have been part of the fabric of our Broadstairs store since it first opened 25 years ago – and say the rest of the team there are like a giant family too.

Bev, who joined the store while it was being built, said: "It's great working together and we look out for each other. Broadstairs is a lovely store to work in and the colleagues and customers are like an extended family. I've made a lot of friends here and met hundreds of people over the years.” Tracey, who's the store's community champion, joined a few months after her sister. She said: "Bev and I both love working at Asda Broadstairs. I'm proud to tell people that Bev is my sister. They seem a bit shocked when I tell them, as we are quite different."

The store's operations manager Mike said: “I have worked with Tracey and Bev for the last 15 years and have got to know them both well. They are an absolute pleasure to work with and always have a smile on their faces and do whatever they can to put a smile on the faces of their colleagues and their customers. We are a very family-oriented store with many family relations working within our walls which makes the Broadstairs store feel like a close-knit community.”

When checkouts colleague Anne from our Tilbury store discovered that an 11-year-old boy was stranded after getting on the wrong bus she immediately stepped in to make sure he got home safely.

The boy, who'd been to Lakeside shopping centre to spend his birthday money, had no charge on his mobile and was getting quite upset as he couldn’t phone his parents to tell them where he was. Anne found a charger for his phone and spoke to his mum. Because she didn't have a car to pick him up, Anne offered to drive the boy home after her shift ended.

Fifty-eight-year-old Anne, who has two grown-up children, said: "The boy was quite upset and he thought he'd get told off by his parents. It was only a ten-minute drive for me so it wasn't too far out of my way. I told his mum that I was DBS checked and had a camera in the car and if she was okay with me taking him. When I pulled up outside their flat the mum came down and gave me a big hug, she was so grateful. I really like to help people, that's just the way I am. If anyone is in trouble I will help."

Service section leader Karen, who nominated Anne for an Asda service superstars award, said: "This is a brilliant example of a colleague going the extra mile and using self initiative and caring for our customers and the local community. Great work Anne."

Well done to Wendy from our Asda Living Teesside store who went out of her way to help an 89-year-old customer to get a new microwave up and running.

The appliance the lady had bought was unfortunately faulty so she popped into the store to see what we could do. She couldn’t bring the microwave back as it was too heavy for her to carry so Wendy, who's worked at the store for 15 years, took it on herself to drive to the customer's home and drop her off a new one before bringing the faulty one back.

Store manager Chris nominated Wendy for an Asda service superstar award for her excellent customer service, saying: "The customer was quite emotional when she explained the importance of having her microwave as it really helps her and her husband's independence. It was so nice of Wendy to go out of her way to help this customer. Thank you, Wendy."

Three-year-old Kian proudly wears his new Asda top and name badge every time he goes shopping at our Gosport store with mum Jodie and dad Kevin.

Colleagues at the store have got to know the family on their regular visits and after seeing how much Kian loves Asda and dressing up they couldn't resist sorting out a uniform for him. Jodie said: "He really loves his Asda top – it's his favourite. He was so happy when he got it and put it on straight away – he doesn't want to take it off. He'll be wearing it every time he goes into Asda now. Kian just loves going to Asda!"

The store's community champion Rachel said: “Kian is always so excited to come into our store with his mum. We're always pleased to see him and he often comes in dressed all different uniforms, so he was overjoyed when we managed to get hold of an Asda uniform just for him. He was so excited he couldn’t wait to try it on. Now he really feels like he is part of the team ... next stop checkout training!"

Many people put their feet up and relax after day's work but not 77-year-old porter Bernard from our Derby store who loves to go out running when he gets home.

Army veteran Bernard, who's worked at the store for 27 years, has tackled numerous marathons and half-marathons over the years and recently completed the Derby half-marathon, raising money for Tickled Pink which supports Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!. He said: "I just love running. When you finish your run it just makes you feel better. I go out three times a week, and one of those may be about nine miles, just nice and steady though as I've started to slow down a bit now. I don't wear headphones or listen to music. I just dream about going to the Caribbean when I'm jogging along!"

Store manager Jon said: "Bernard is a fantastic colleague who we are so proud of inside and outside work. He never fails to amaze us with his stunning achievements and upcoming goals."

Colleagues at our Clevedon store want to give a big shout-out to checkouts colleague Pete who always goes out of his way to help customers in any way he can.

Pete, who's 60, has worked at the store for three years, said: "I love my job and I love chatting to the customers. I talk to them about all sorts really ... the weather and what's going on in their lives. The colleagues here all all brilliant too. Everyone gets on with everybody else. We are a very friendly store."

Service section leader Kerry said: "Pete's an outstanding checkout operator whom customers truly admire. They often choose to queue at his till, even when another till is available!" Regular customer Dave Tucker, said: "Pete is very helpful and is always there to assist with the Asda Rewards App. I always go to Pete even if the other tills and empty." And Bridget, who comes into the store everyday on her mobility scooter, said: "I love coming to shop in Asda – especially when Pete is on the till. He's very caring and patient."

Everyone at our Witham Highfields Road supermarket is so proud of their colleague Lynsey for coming to the rescue of a 15-year-old girl who had a seizure and needed urgent medical help.

Checkouts colleague Lynsey, who's 43, had just finished her shift and was walking home by the river near the store when she saw the girl collapse while she was chatting to a friend on her phone. A passing cyclist stopped the girl from hitting her head on the concrete, while Lynsey tried to find out as much as possible from the girl's friend and called for an ambulance, as well as contacting the girl's parents. The girl was in and out of consciousness, but came round when she heard her mum's voice.

Lynsey, who's a mum of three, said: "It was scary and I was shaking, but the adrenalin just took over. It was awful to see and I went home and had a large glass of wine! The following weekend the mum came in and said that her daughter was okay. I was on the checkout and she came over and gave me a cuddle and said 'thank you so much.'"

Store manager Martin, who nominated Lynsey for a service superstar award, said: "I think the girl was very lucky that she was there at that time. We are all proud of you, Lynsey. She's very bubbly, very helpful and will do anything for anyone, colleagues and customers alike. She's got that motherly, nurturing side to her and we are very fortunate to have her in our team."

Congratulations to Harry Potter fan Kelly from our Isle of Wight store who's now Mrs Snape after getting married to Shaun, who also works at the store.

The couple, who have worked at the store since it first opened seven years ago, met at a mutual friend's house party a year earlier. Kelly said: "My friend knew that I loved Harry Potter and Shaun is always called by his surname, Snape – as in Professor Snape – so she introduced us. We just got talking and that was it really. I always joke with Shaun that the only reason I married him was to get his surname!"

The couple were married at Holy Cross Church in Binstead. Kelly said: "The wedding was lovely and we had quite a few colleagues there. Everyone likes a wedding, don't they, and Asda is like one big family. Everyone is really happy for us, they've been really sweet."

When a customer at our Bangor store was having a panic attack and feeling a bit overwhelmed our customer service colleague Louise stepped in to do all she could to calm her down.

Louise, who's worked at the store for seven years, chatted to the lady, scanned her shopping and then took it to her car for her. Louise said: “I wanted to make sure she felt safe and supported, it must have been a scary experience, so I walked her out to her car with her shopping. She was very thankful. I just felt that I was doing my job, but I was glad to help. As a team, we all care about our customers, and we always go the extra mile. I just did it without thinking, because it felt like the right thing to do. But I believe that it is important we all look out for each other, whether working or not, especially when we notice that someone is in distress and may need some assistance.”

Store manager Anthony said: “Louise’s actions really reflect the dedication and care our employees show towards their customers. Panic attacks affect so many people and I’m so proud to hear how well Louise dealt with the situation, she certainly made a positive impact on her customer’s day. Very well done Louise!”

Everyone at our Corby store is delighted to see 83-year-old Victor back at his checkout after recovering from bowel cancer surgery – and he says he's so grateful for all the support he's had that he wants to help anyone else who needs someone to lean on.

Former driving instructor Victor, who's worked at the store for six years, wanted to get back to work after his surgery so he could see his customers. He posted on the Original Corby Chats Back Facebook group to encourage customers to let him know at his checkout if there's anything they want to chat about. Victor said: "We have all heard that a problem shared is a problem halved, but nobody does it – nobody talks to each other. I'm trying to get people to talk. Some customers just need to unload some of their problems and I'm here to listen. It's a good purpose in life to try to help people. I'm a very positive person – negativity does nothing for you. You've just got to keep fighting. I've almost got a club at work – my customers come in and wait for me to open my till. We have a laugh with some leg pulling which creates a happy atmosphere. The customers are a friendly bunch."

A big thank you to customer service desk colleague Linda from our Blackwood store who paid for an elderly customer's medication after he'd left his bank card at home.

Linda, who's worked at the store for 15 years, didn't hesitate to give him £20 of her own money for his shopping and he was extremely grateful. He came back in store the next day to say thank you and pay her back.

Asda senior director David Barwell, who nominated Linda for an Asda service superstar award, said: "Linda showed a duty of care and compassion for someone in need. Well done."

And the store's customer trading manager Katherine said: "She knew the gentleman had medicines in his shopping and didn't want him to go without. It was an amazing gesture from Linda. All the customers know her and she's very good at her job."

When Lesley from our Fraserburgh store bumped into regular customer Jim in hospital she surprised him with a heartfelt get-well-soon card from the "kiosk girls".

Lesley, who has worked at the store for seven years, was visiting her mum in hospital when she spotted Jim's familiar face on the other side of the ward. She said: “I was thinking ‘I know that face’ so I waved over to him, and he waved back. I realised it was Jim who would come into our store most days, so I went over to have a chat with him. I wanted to make sure he was alright and had a bit of company, so I sat with him for a bit before going back to my mum’s room. It was just sheer coincidence that he was in the same ward as my mum, in the room opposite us!

“I popped out later that day and got him a get-well-soon card and signed it from ‘The Kiosk Girls’ – myself and my colleague Caroline – as we both know him quite well from his visits to the store. I also bought him some sweeties to brighten his day."

Jim, who is in his 80s, is recovering well and returned to his regular routine of shopping at Asda after his hospital visit. Lesley said: "I love getting customers cards when I know it’s been their birthday or something, but you just never know how the little things can really make someone’s day. He actually came back in store with a thank you card for me and Caroline a few days later! We’re just glad to see he’s recovered."

Trudie from our Grantham store says "instinct just took over" when she rescued a motorist whose car had caught fire in a crash involving three vehicles.

Home shopping driver Trudie was out on her deliveries when she witnessed the collision on the A15 in torrential rain. When she saw flames and smoke coming from one of the cars she pulled over safely and ran to help. She said: "I shot across to the car which had flames and smoke coming out of the bonnet and opened the door telling the driver that we needed to get her out quickly as her car was on fire. The lady was in shock. I looked to see if her legs were trapped, which they weren't, and she said she wasn't in any pain or injured. I told her to undo her seatbelt then I took her hand and guided her out of the car and onto the grass verge and then I called the emergency services."

Trudie also helped another motorist – giving him her coat and sitting him in her van to keep dry and warm until emergency services arrived. After giving a statement to the police she called her customers to say she was on her way with their deliveries ... but explained that she may be a little late.

She said: "Going to the lady's aid was just an instant reaction; it all happened in a split second. My first thought was that she was still sitting in that car and anything could have happened. If I was in that position I'd want someone to come and help me."

Our Strawberry Sprinkle ice lollies taste FAB – and that's official! 😋

"For Fab fans this Asda version is a winner" – that's what the Daily Mail say about our Strawberry Sprinkle Ice Lollies!

A perfect way to refresh in the heat. "These lovely lollies, had a fresh strawberry taste and lashings of chocolate and sprinkles on the top", see more about what The Sun say about them here: https://bit.ly/4drFDoI

Grab a pack of 5 for only £1.20 🍦 Subject to availability, in stores and online at: https://bit.ly/3YopTOX

Nineteen-year-old Sam from our Liscard store has been thanked by a customer for helping when her autistic son was getting a little overwhelmed and upset while out shopping.

Sam was in the car park and spotted the lady and her son struggling with a full trolley, so he offered to help, pushing it to her car and loading the shopping.

Operations manager Paul, who nominated Sam for an Asda service superstar award, said: "The customer's partner came into store to make us aware of how Sam’s actions really supported her. The customer was blown away by how supportive Sam was, and said he was a real credit to the store. Thank you Sam for always showing kindness to customers."

Sam, whose mum Karen also works in the store, has recently become a delivery driver after a spell portering.

A customer with a young baby says our colleague Claire was "one in a million" for the way she helped her with her shopping at our Pyle store.

The lady's baby didn't like being strapped into the trolley and wouldn't settle so his mum was struggling to do her shopping while carrying him and pushing the trolley. As soon as Claire spotted the mum she stepped in to help, pushing the trolley and picking the items she needed, before scanning and packing her shopping. The customer wrote to the store to thank Claire for her kindness, saying: "She made sure I was ok leaving the store and was just so lovely, understanding and helpful. I left there feeling so grateful to have had her help. What a truly lovely, kind hearted person. Faith in humanity restored. Thank you so much Claire. You are one in a million."

Claire, who works on the customer service desk, has been nominated for an Asda service superstar award.

Tom, who's autistic, has soared in confidence so much since he started working at our Leamington Spa store eight years ago that he's now set up a group to support other autistic adults.

Tom, who's 32, says the support and encouragement he's received at Asda has helped him both inside and outside of work. He said: "I like that everyone at work is understanding and I like the community ethos in the store too; it is really a friendly store. I'm really happy in my job. It's given me so much confidence and I've used this to push myself outside of work."

Tom set up the group, Breaking Down Barriers, to provide a place for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities to get together after he found many were struggling to get out following the Covid pandemic. He said: "We've been meeting once a month. The workshops have been such a success and I can't be any happier with how they are going."

The store's community champion Aaliyah helped Tom secure a grant from the Asda Foundation and has visited his group at the Sez U Community Theatre. She said: "It's great what Tom is doing – we are all so proud of him at the store."

We’ve teamed up with NHS England to add advice about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer on our own brand toothpaste and mouthwash.

It's an issue that's particularly personal to service section leader Jackie from our Newton Mearns store, as she was diagnosed with mouth cancer 19 years ago when she was pregnant with her son Jack. She said: "I think the campaign is absolutely amazing and I support it 100 per cent. It's a brilliant idea. Your mouth is just as important as any other part of your body so if you find anything unusual please go to your dentist. Know your normal. It's really important that you go for your regular check-ups so your dentist knows your mouth and they will notice anything untoward. If you don't have a dentist, go to your GP."

Jackie, who had 35 sessions of radiotherapy over seven weeks, said: "I think it's important to give people hope. I think a lot of people hear the word cancer and they think they are going to die and it's not like that. Mouth cancer can be very aggressive and can get out of hand very quickly. I was so very lucky. Don't ever feel stupid about getting something checked. It's so important. If I hadn't have gone to my GP when I did I might not be here today and my children wouldn't have had a mum.”

A big thank you to porter Leeroy from our Hemel Hempstead store who went out of his way to help a disabled customer when her car broke down in the car park.

Leeroy was collecting trolleys and baskets when he saw the lady trying to jump start her car and noticed that the battery charger was starting to smoke. He quickly went over to disconnect the charger and make sure all was safe. He then got his car and tried to jump start the car but to no avail. As the lady didn't have her phone with her, Leeroy lent her his so she could contact the breakdown service but she struggled to get through. As Leeroy’s shift had finished he put the lady’s shopping in his car and dropped her off home.

The following day was Leeroy’s day off but he still collected the lady in the morning and took her back to the store where she met someone from the breakdown service who sorted out her car. Leeroy has been nominated for an Asda service superstar award by service section leader Gemma, who said: "This was a selfless act of kindness by Leeroy who went above and beyond for a customer."

This summer, we’re putting your health (and your wallet) first by giving you £3* back in your Asda Rewards app whenever you collect a treatment from an Asda pharmacy. This offer is valid on treatments requested and collected from the 17th of July, 12am to the 31st of July, 12pm only! Get started now: https://bit.ly/3SlD9jE

How it works👇
📱 Download the Asda Rewards app if you don’t have it already
🩺 Start your consultation with Asda Online Doctor
📦 Choose "Click & Collect from an Asda Pharmacy" as a delivery option
🤳 Show your Rewards scan code to the pharmacist when collecting your medication
💸 Receive £3 in your Asda Rewards app account

*T&C’s apply.

Online Diagnosis, Prescriptions & Medication Asda Online Doctor by ZAVA: online medication, free medical advice, free and fast delivery of prescription treatments.