Asda is introducing ‘special’ baskets in supermarkets for shoppers that are single

If you watched one too many rom-coms as a teen, you’ve likely fantasized about having the perfect meet-cute.

But did you ever picture your once-in-a-lifetime moment taking place in Asda? Probably not…

However, for better or worse, the retailer is offering shoppers the chance to try and meet a potential match in its stores.

Several Asda supermarkets will be introducing ‘special’ red shopping baskets on Valentine’s Day, which singles can use to signify to others that they’re ‘open to talk’. 

Which is perhaps the last thing you want to do when you’ve nipped into the shop in your dressing gown to grab a pint of milk…

The red baskets will be appearing in Asda stores in Leicester, Liverpool, and Glasgow, and those who pick one up to shop are basically proclaiming they are ‘looking for love’.

Those who don’t want to send these signals out into the shop should opt for a green basket or trolley instead. 

While some might find this move a rather patronising one, it seems Asda does mean well with the gimmick.

It comes after a survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 64%fancy someone at their local supermarket, and 87% confessed they’d rather meet someone in real life, as opposed to on a dating app.

Shoppers were also asked where they would want to meet a potential partner, and lo and behold, 76% said the supermarket would be a ‘good place’ for this.

When you do meet someone you’re attracted to, making the first move can be rather nerve-wracking. 

Besides the fear of rejection, it’s also hard to tell if strangers are single or in relationships, with more than eight in 10 people admitting they feel shy asking for someone’s number. 

So, Asda says it’s introducing the baskets as a ‘simple way’ to help connections happen. If only dating actually were that simple, though… *sighs*

A spokesperson for the retailer said: ‘We know people are craving real-life connections, but we also know our customers are busy and don’t always have the time to put themselves out there. That’s why we’re turning the weekly shop into the ultimate meet-cute. 

‘These red baskets are a fun, light-hearted way to help people connect while they’re already doing their everyday shop – a simple, playful nudge to start a chat and maybe even spark a little romance.’

While there’s no one ‘right’ way to meet someone, researchers from the University of Wrocław in Poland previously found that people who met their partners offline experienced ‘greater intimacy, passion, and commitment’ than those who met them online. 

And Ryan and Kelly are one couple who can attest that meeting at Asda can change your life.

The pair met while working in Asda Dewsbury, as Kelly made breakfast in the staff canteen. The pair are now getting married this summer, with their nine-year-old twins acting as bridesmaids.  

Kelly said:  ‘He liked his fried eggs cooked both sides, so his yolk was fully cooked. He always had the same breakfast: bacon, eggs, beans, and two slices of bread!

‘I still cook him the same breakfast at home from time to time.’

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