ASDA restructure will see over 4,000 jobs put into consultation

ASDA has returned to like-for-like sales growth, as it announces a major restructuring.

Today, the Leeds-headquartered supermarket giant announced a massive restructuring plan which will put more than 4,000 managerial jobs into consultation, but will create 900 new customer facing roles.

The move will see Asda get rid of some department manager roles and create section leader roles which will be customer facing positions. The move is to help place more focus on e-commerce and has already been tested in 20 stores, Asda said.

Turning to its results, in the 15 weeks to April 20 Asda grew sales, excluding petrol, on a Like-for-like basis at 0.1%. Total sales grew 1.3%.

Asda’s CEO and president Andy Clarke said: “In what remains a challenging market I am pleased to see that our strategy is paying dividends. Over 18 months ago we recognised the beginnings of a structural shift in the retail market and by looking at our business and how it needed to change we have been able to get ourselves ahead of the curve and implement a strategy that is delivering real value for our customers and growth for our business.

“We are in the first few months of a five year journey, but I am confident that we are on the right path – and the numbers we are reporting today, as well as recent Kantar and Nielson data – show that we are moving in the right direction and already making gains.

“But we know that we can never be complacent. Our sector is constantly changing, and we have to be prepared to change with it, whilst remaining rooted in our strong heritage of investing in Everyday Low Prices, operating an exceptionally efficient business model and doing the right things for our communities and colleagues.”

Asda said it has continued the strength of its price position against large retailers and a narrowing of the gap to the discounters, as well as double digit growth in its newly launched George Home range.

CFO Alex Russo noted that market share data showed that Asda benefited from the strongest sales in the Big Four over the important Easter period. Russo also outlined Asda’s continued leadership in Grocery Home Shopping – reporting further market share growth to 19.2% in this important growth channel.

Source : Ellie Newton-Symms - TheBusinessDesk.com
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