Asda's latest publicity stunt!!

Be_Happy

I was in Asda this morning and really think their latest publicity stunt has hit a new low.

Lots of places are collecting toys for needy children this Christmas and this is a good thing, but Asda loudspeaker was announcing that you could BUY a toy in Asda and then put it in their collecting box.

This means that Asda get the profit on the sale of the toys and, no doubt, there will be a big publicity photo of them handing over the toys to charity as if they are doing a good deed.

The box is in a prominent position inside the store at the start of the checkout line, obviously to deter people from bringing toys in from outside.

somethingcorporate

That really is lowering the barrel.

apesxx

Asda do this every year! They always make the announcements that you 'could' purchase a toy instore for the box, mainly aimed at the people who do not know about it and buy something quick whilst they are there instead of coming back. There is nothing at all stopping you from bringing in something from outside and placing it in.

dacouch

Quite a few stores do this even pet stores have donation boxes for dog / cat food.

Torry_Quine

Why the surprise. It makes perfect business sense and for people who want to donate but don't have anything with them. It doesn't stop you bringing something in with you.,

meer53

Be_Happy wrote: »

I was in Asda this morning and really think their latest publicity stunt has hit a new low.

Lots of places are collecting toys for needy children this Christmas and this is a good thing, but Asda loudspeaker was announcing that you could BUY a toy in Asda and then put it in their collecting box.

This means that Asda get the profit on the sale of the toys and, no doubt, there will be a big publicity photo of them handing over the toys to charity as if they are doing a good deed.

The box is in a prominent position inside the store at the start of the checkout line, obviously to deter people from bringing toys in from outside.

Why not just think about the children who will receive these toys instead of whinging about a company making a little profit ?

Wherever you buy the toy from someone will make a profit.

pmduk

If you really want to take the cynical view, the supermarkets only promote christmas at all to get people to spend money. They've no interest in the religious aspect. Even I'm not that cynical to believe that however (before anyone suggests otherwise).

stephen77

pmduk wrote: »

If you really want to take the cynical view, the supermarkets only promote christmas at all to get people to spend money. They've no interest in the religious aspect. Even I'm not that cynical to believe that however (before anyone suggests otherwise).

well lots of people working there will not be christians anyway.

TO be honest the goal for the whole year is to make money as any other business does or people using this site to earn/save more money.

Though saying that, lots of people working at ASDA will want there offering to the be the best and take pride in there work if they achieve this.

qetu1357

Asda do say that they raise £16m for charities.......

http://charities.asda.com/

suspect this includes what the customers give too

pelirocco

One of my pet peeves is people donating discarded toys for needy children . I have always thought these children have enough to cope with , with out being given used ( and often tatty ) toys . Buy your children one less present this Christmas ( they wont miss it ) and donate something decent .

Actually I think its a good idea Asda reminding people they could do this . My only concerning is I have seen people pinch toys out of the charity bin

If anyone objects to a supermarket promoting this idea , they could always donate direct .

Poppie68

Good on Asda...it makes sense for them to announce it over the tannoy, it either reminds people or makes them aware of the scheme for the first time. If Asda make money out of it why not? You've got to buy it somewhere and buying it in Asda means not having to lug it from one place to the next.