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Source: Asda

Asda is partnering with Publicis Sapient to deliver a new e-commerce platform, and help it extricate online operations from former owner Walmart’s systems.

The platform will be delivered by April 2024, as part of a “hugely ambitious” programme, Publicis Sapient said.

The digital transformation consultancy has previously worked with Asda to build and implement the supermarket’s new email marketing tool using Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

“We are proud to be working with Asda, a beloved British brand, on transforming its online grocery platforms and helping the retailer build an agile organisation for digital success,” said Julian Skelly, senior managing partner at Publicis Sapient.

“The work is singularly focused on enabling Asda to be independent of Walmart and enabling the retailer to evolve and grow, focusing on exceptional usability and customer experience,” he added.

Asda was sold by Walmart sale to TDR Capital and EG owners Mohsin and Zuber Issa in 2021. The supermarket has created hundreds of new roles for the transformation project to disentangle its IT systems and processes from its former owner, as part of a programme dubbed Future.

Asda is tapping Walmart for some tech solutions, however. Late last year it rolled out Walmart’s white label online and click & collect fulfilment app, Store Assist, to more than 330 superstores. It is unclear if Asda will continue to use Store Assist after 2024.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Publicis Sapient, a leading digital business transformation company with a strong track record in e-commerce platforms,” said Carl Dawson, chief digital & technology officer at Asda.

“We look forward to a successful partnership and to the delivery of a platform that will enable a seamless transition for our customers, moving from a legacy system run by Walmart to an entirely independent Asda-owned platform.”