Asda begins September with its reputation under scrutiny. The separation from Walmart’s technology systems has caused teething issues, from disrupted deliveries to customer complaints about digital interfaces.
Yet beneath the noise, Asda is quietly experimenting with a bold technological shift. A handful of stores are now testing AI-powered shelf-scanning cameras that monitor availability every hour. These cameras identify gaps and alert staff, allowing faster replenishment and fewer disappointed customers.
If successful, the technology could become a cornerstone of Asda’s promise: more efficiency, fewer costs, and a smoother shopping experience. For now, however, management must balance innovation with reassurance. Shoppers care less about AI than they do about finding the milk in stock, and September will be a test of whether the retailer can steady its reputation while pushing into automation.