IT ASDA BE GOOD AFTER SO LONG (Asda)

Member Name: Ann J Sec

Product:	Asda
Date:	25/01/01 (122 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reasonably priced. Helpful staff

Disadvantages: Wonky trollies.

After shopping at this store for at least 20 years, I feel I am somewhat authorised to make my comments so here they are.

Asda has had its ups an downs over the years, but personally I now feel it is near to its best since the takeover by Walmart, the American giant.

There were times in the past though when things were very different and the staff were mediocre to say the least. On one occasion I was told by a till operator "I'm closin' now" despite the fact I had waited for some considerable time in a huge queue and eventually unloaded a trolleyload of goods onto the counter. I was forced to unload the goods back into the trolley and then take them to another till. I don't think I should tell you all about the fuss I caused as I'm sure I was a total embarrassment!

Those days do seem hopefully to have gone and certainly the staff in the store I shop in are very courteous, pleasant and indeed appear quite happy in their work(I under-stand Asda is a very good employer(being
family friendly and giving lots of perks). They take the trouble to get to know the regular customers and always ask how you are. I have to say though that sometimes that can be just a little annoying, especially when you're in a hurry and the staff are chatting that wee bit too long with the person in front, but then I'm not the most sociable person in the world and I hate shopping anyway - I just want to get home.

Pricewise I have found Asda compares very favourably with Tesco and Sainsburys. For some reason there appears to be a class war and Asda seems to be the bottom of the league in this. Apparently Sainsburys is for the more upper class customer - or so I'm told.

If you are new to Asda I would take care when selecting fruit. As with other foodhalls, Asda's lighting makes everything (inluding the customers) appear green and fresh. I have often purchased what seem to be healthy green apples or gr
apes,only to find they are yellowing once seen in the daylight. Additionally, for some reason fruit which can appear delicious is often tasteless, but I am at a loss to explain why this is.

If you're a cake lover, you should try Asda's home baked custard tarts...they are wonderful and I am totally addicted to them.
I have tried similar home baked tarts from other stores only to be very disappointed. Equally, their home made pizzas are delicious too,although they have stopped making my own favourite curry one.

Asda do take-away Chinese meals wich are delicious, but expensive compared to normal Chinese take-aways with the additional disadvantage that you have to heat them up.
It is possible however to purchase these very cheap if you shop just before closing time as the store is obliged to sell them fresh that day. You can also get similar bargains in the home bakery department late at night.

Asda often have 2 for the price of 1 bargains in the foodhall and I usually stock up when these take place. Be careful with the 5 for the price of 4 offers though as you may end up throwing food away because you have too much.

I am no longer tempted by Asda's own make brand (Farmstores) as I have found it to be dreadful. Their own slightly more expensive range is slightly better but personally I prefer now to stick to brand names - who wants rock hard baked beans afterall!

My one complaint with regard to the food is that I often find shelves are empty of essential items and I find this infuriating.
Certainly the Asda I shop in seems to be lacking in this area.

Beware when buying clothing in the George Department. Asda's sizing is strange to say the least. I have had to return umpteen items because they have been too skimpy at the bottom and too large at the top, although I admit my shape is nothing to write home about. Childrens clothes are however well made and last a long time.

&l
t;br><br><br>Here's a special tip. When purchasing Asda petrol you can obtain points on a card which can be exchanged either for £5 in the store or for £8 in the George Department I chanced upon this by accident, if you purchase £8 worth of clothes and take them back the next week you are credited with £8 which you can then use elsewhere in the store. It is therefore not worth while taking the £5 in the first place, rather an oversight on Asda management's part, but don't tell them. On this point I would mention that Asda's policy on returns is excellent and there are never any problems.

There are also bargains to be found in the household department and indeed I purchased a stew pan in Asda for £14.99 which I had seen elsewhere for £25. I was disappointed though when a week later it was reduced again to £9.99. It clearly pays to buy things just at the right time ie., before they all sell out, but when the price really has reached its lowest point and of course this is difficult to get right unless you go into the store daily.

As with most supermarkets Asda does need to do something about its wonky trolleys. I am a liability with these as they run away with me. It is only a matter of time before someone crashes into a car and a claim for compensation is made ....well that can be written up in the Compensation Culture part of Dooyoo.

Finally, a tip to Asda, give the staff more up to date uniforms, the current ones are completely unflattering. I am sure even Claudia Schiffer wouldn't suit them.

Well I'll finish now...I'm off to Asda to do my shopping.

Summary: