Asda announces in-store Wi-Fi and iPad adoption

Friday, October 12, 2012 - 09:36 by Mike Price

Supermarket chain Asda is going to be rolling out Wi-Fi networks across its various outlets to encourage customers to use their smartphones and tablets while they are shopping.

It will also be providing every one of its store managers with iPads to make it easier for them to be out and about in the shops that they control, rather than glued to a screen at a desk and very much kept out of sight.

Various major retailers have been announcing plans to make free Wi-Fi access a core part of their bricks and mortar strategy, because this can help people carry out safe shopping online and compare prices from their portable devices, while still getting them out of the house and into supermarkets and department stores.

The Wi-Fi networks will be up and running just in time for the Christmas rush, as will a click and collect service at 100 of Asda's shops across the UK.

Customers will be able to place an order for the items they want via safe shopping online, but rather than having it delivered at a predetermined slot, they will be able to pick it up at their local store.

Asda COO, Judith McKenna, revealed details about its various multichannel plans during the IGD Convention this week, explaining that the Wi-Fi, iPad and click and collect rollouts were all going to help the company meet the needs of customers going forwards.

McKenna identified a group she referred to as 'mobile mums,' who she hoped would be better served by the new services that Asda is making available to them. She said that by talking to mums and working out how they want to integrate shopping into their busy lives, the retailer was able to respond appropriately to their requirements.