Asda catches up to internet trend

Having been slow to recognize the significance of online shopping, Asda is now investing in a game of catch up to competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury's. The supermarket giant is planning to recruit an extra 1,800 employees to help drive that aspect of the business. "We were slow to understand how big a market and how big a customer demand there was for dot.com," Asda chief executive Andy Bond said this weekend. British consumers are spending 30 percent more online. The dot.com market was valued at £21.4 billion last year and Interactive Media in Retail Group has predicted a 40 percent increase in online spending over the Christmas period.

The group is concentrating its new hires on back office staff, drivers and logistical support. By October 2007, 157 of the 310 Asda stores should be able to offer internet shopping service, compared with the current 91 stores. The group is aiming for 80 percent of its stores to be dot.com ready.