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Angry shoppers boycott ASDA
Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 07 November 2009
Angry shoppers have staged a protest outside Rochdale’s ASDA store to demand action against an employee who refused to serve a customer wearing a Help for Heroes wrist band.
The protest began at lunchtime today (Saturday 7 November) and ran until 3.00pm. A Union Jack flag was put over the barriers and protesters held posters reading: ‘Support our Heroes.’
The protest was arranged by a group called ‘Boycott ASDA.’ The group has over 3,000 members, with approximately 100 people turning up for the protest.
The police were on site in case of trouble.
As ASDA customers went about their shopping, comments were shouted, such as: ‘Don’t shop at ASDA support our heroes.’
Kevin Bryan was amongst the people that turned out today, he said: “It is disgraceful that this person hasn’t been sacked.”
Lesley Hague, arrived at 12.00pm with her ‘Support Our Heroes’ poster, she said: “I won’t be shopping at ASDA anymore.
“The help the heroes wristband is not supporting the war, it is supporting our troops and we want them all home in one piece.
“I don’t care if I get in trouble out here today, I am prepared for that, we are here because we want to be heard.”
Staff from ASDA brought out tea and coffee for the people braving the cold; some took it whilst others shouted not to drink it because they were only doing it for the cameras.
Malcolm Nickalass, said: “I have worked in the retail business and it is vital to remember that the customer is always right. ASDA should have backed up the woman who was refused service rather than the member of staff.
“They have tried to sweep it under the carpet. I think a donation from ASDA to Help for Heroes would go down well.”
One protester, who did not want to be named, said: “The employee should make a public apology to the woman who he refused to serve.”
Leah Watson a spokesperson for ASDA, said: “We are still investigating what happened. At this time we still do not know which member of staff it was because the customer has not told us what day it happened.
ASDA fully supports the Help for Heroes charity and in the past we have worked with the Ministry of Defense to provide things for our troops.
“We do fully understand how people feel about this matter, and it is fine for them to express their point of view, but protesting isn’t the way forward.
“We would rather people came in and spoke to us.”
Comments
The Union Flag is upside down.
I am really sorry that I didn't know this was happening because I would have been there and I suspect that many other moderate but disgusted people would have been there as well. Well done all of you who stood out in the rain and cold to show that Rochdale still supports our armed forces despite our diverse mix!
Copycat! They are coming back - the (co-op) are opening a store in Milnrow.
I was at Asda yesterday morning and I bought a Help for Heroes wrist band from the people selling poppies. The stall was inside the store.
I agree that the employee should be sack and apologies to everyone whos loved one is out in Afganistan, giving their lives for peace in a country,were the people betrays them.
BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!
Hmm! I await the full enquiry and outcome by Asda.
I hope Asda also place a mugshot of the person concerned, at the supermarket door,and shoppers can decide if they wish to use the services of that particular member of staff.
If not, Tesco, is the alternative!
Sorry I disagree with Leah Watson, people in this country have the right to protest, be they right or wrong (and that is a persons own veiw). The employee who did this is entitled to their opinion, but not in Asda uniform.
There are two sides to a story, but do not denounce the right to protest.
I am blind and use the computer with special talking software. I work with the Disability Discrimination Commission I wish they would refuse to serve me whatever I was wearing, I'd have them.
Is it fair that women can shop whilst wearing a Burkah? They could have all sorts under it - knives, guns, bombs, whatever, and someone is denied their right of service for wearing a band in support of our troops! This is an utter disgrace.
Have Your Say
Let's bring the more ethically run Co-Op back to its home town.
By Copycat @ 07/11/2009 19:05:36