Asda faced a brief technical issue affecting its checkout systems, leading to delayed store openings across the UK, which has now been resolved.
- The incident resulted in shoppers being temporarily unable to purchase groceries, causing inconvenience for customers during their usual shopping routines.
- Social media platforms, including X, witnessed customer complaints regarding the store closures and the non-operational checkout tills.
- Asda has apologised to its customers for the disruption, attributing the issue to their ongoing system overhaul, part of a larger transformation initiative.
- The supermarket chain is in the process of converting smaller stores to new IT systems to mitigate future disruptions during the busy festive season.
Asda confronted a technological hurdle earlier today when a ‘technical issue’ with checkout tills led to delayed openings in several stores across the nation. This unforeseen glitch prevented customers from purchasing groceries, particularly inconveniencing those adhering to their regular shopping schedules.
Some customers expressed their frustration on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One user highlighted the consistent problems with the new till systems at Asda, citing their local store’s inability to operate: “Just got back from my usual Monday morning trip to Asda – soaked to the skin, and with no shopping. Their useless new till system that has never worked properly at my local branch is down and the store cannot open.”
In response to the disruption, an Asda spokesperson stated, “Some of our stores opened later than planned this morning due to a technical issue affecting checkouts. This has now been resolved and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.” This apology reflects the supermarket’s awareness of the consumer impact caused.
Simultaneously, Asda is advancing with its Project Future transformation, a robust initiative termed as Europe’s largest systems implementation programme. This strategic endeavour involves disentangling over 2,500 systems from its former owner Walmart, aiming to establish superior systems within the grocery sector.
To prevent future disruptions, Asda announced its plan to update IT systems in approximately 850 smaller sites, including petrol stations, smaller supermarkets, and Asda Express stores, by the end of 2024. This proactive approach is intended to circumvent potential challenges during the bustling Christmas period.
The swift resolution of the technical issue underscores Asda’s commitment to enhancing customer experience amidst ongoing system transformations.
