Asda has paused its £30-off online shopping voucher after a 'significant' number of shoppers found ways to bypass the intended restrictions, leading to what staff described as 'carnage' in stores.
The deal, launched on October 22, was meant for new customers placing their first online order of £60 or more. However, many people created fake email addresses and multiple accounts to use the code repeatedly, with some placing up to 10 orders to the same address.
Staff report exhaustion and blisters
Employees took to Reddit to describe the impact. One staff member wrote: 'I have blisters on my feet and it's only the first day. Management didn't warn us at all either!!! Could've told me before I took on extra shifts. I don't know how I'm gonna manage. Had to be at least 400 orders today and didn't manage to complete!!'
Another employee said one store had over 1,000 orders, which they branded 'hell on earth', admitting they 'couldn't keep up'. Others said shoppers who were 'taking the mick' were 'crippling staff', and many called the situation 'carnage'.
Shoppers exploit the offer
On social media, shoppers bragged about using the code to buy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which retails at £57.97 at Asda, for £29.19 by adding a cheap item to push the order over £60. Others used the code for kitchen items, toys, games, and bedding sets.
The offer was originally set to run until December 31, but Asda has now paused it.
Asda responds
A spokesperson for Asda told Metro: 'We've paused our new online customer offer after becoming aware of a significant number of orders that do not qualify.'
'We'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while we look into this.'
Customers who received a voucher but have not yet placed an order may find the offer removed from their account. It is unclear whether the offer will return.
