Asda, one of the UK's largest supermarket chains with over 1,100 branches, has a name that many shoppers may not know the origins of. The story begins in the 1920s, when the Asquith family ran a single butcher's shop in Knottingley, West Yorkshire.
In 1958, brothers Peter and Fred Asquith visited the United States, where they observed the success of 'under one roof' shopping. They were particularly inspired by a store called Piggly Wiggly, which pioneered the modern supermarket concept.
Upon returning to the UK, the Asquiths bought the former Queens Theatre in Castleford, West Yorkshire, and opened the country's first self-service store. As their business grew, Peter Asquith approached Noel Stockdale at Associated Dairies to form a partnership.
On May 3, 1965, the deal was finalised, and the name Asda was created by combining 'Asquith' and 'Dairies'. Thus, Asda was born, blending the founders' surname with the dairy company's name.
