Asda responds after new budget line's packaging is criticised for 'embarrassing' customers

9 August 2022, 17:26

By Alice Dear

Even Asda shoppers are defending the supermarket chain over their choice of colour for the packaging of the new range.

Asda has responded to criticism from some shoppers who claim the choice of yellow packaging for their new budget line "embarrasses" customers who are struggling with their finances.

This comes after the supermarketer giant announced they would be replacing their Asda Smart range (which had white packaging) with a new Just Essentials range.

The new Just Essentials range provides food, drink and household products at a lower price.

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It is the bright yellow packaging that some people have taken issue with, claiming that the bold branding will draw attention to shoppers struggling with money.

Asda has now responded to the negative comments, telling people that they "don't understand" why anyone would "feel embarrassed for saving money".

Sharing a picture of some of their customer's positive reactions to the new money-saving line, Asda tweeted the message: "Embarrassed to save money?! Not according to our customers."

Sam Dickson, vice president of Asda brand and propositions, said in a statement: “Nine out of ten of our customers have told us they are concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, with 44% of them saying they’re actively looking for ways to make their grocery budget go further.

“We’ve developed Just Essentials by Asda to offer our customers the same value they know and love from our Smart Price range, but across a much larger and more diverse range of products, and with a bold brand that is hard to miss.

“Our mission is to meet all household needs through Just Essentials by Asda, and ensure that families can enjoy nutritious food, no matter their budget.”

The discussion over the packaging has continued online, and while most people appear to think the yellow packaging is harmless, some people are still unhappy about the design choice.

One person commented: "I really don't think that they should have done this. I feel really bad for people who might feel like they are being shamed when their trolley is full of yellow packaging."

Another person wrote: "Packaging is all psychology. Poor people are allowed to be upset that the budget range of food comes in heinous neon packaging that is the same colour as a caution sign, which triggers your brain to be wary. Especially when Asda green has multiple positive meanings."

People defending Asda's design choices have also shared their opinions online, with one person posting the following message: "There should be no shame in this at all. Everyone has a budget and if people buy this yellow packaging range, it means they're still putting food on their table. It's the same if they buy from Lidl, Aldi or Iceland as well with their own branded products."

Another person responded: "I honestly don’t get the backlash @asda have got over this packaging. I’d rather see a trolley full of yellow packaging than knowing a family is hungry. It’s the opinions of other people that are shameful not the supermarket."

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