Shoppers divided as Asda rations its new Just Essentials range

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Asda's new Just Essentials range is making waves once again as the retailer has rationed how much people can buy.

The range, a rebrand of the Smart Price products, launched earlier this year and hit the headlines when its bright yellow packaging was criticised by some shoppers, who said it stands out too much and acts as a 'poverty market' in people's baskets and trolleys.

Despite that, demand for the products has been huge and shoppers have complained about items being constantly out of stock both online and in stores.

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To counter that, supermarket bosses have now decided to restrict what people can buy from the range, to no more than three of each product.

The move has proved quite divisive, with some saying it's unfair, particularly for larger families who need to buy more, yet others welcoming the move saying it gives more people chance to try it.

One shopper told a budget Facebook group that she'd 'witnessed a stressed out woman having to go through all her shopping' after she was told about the limit at the till.

Her post was met with hundreds of replies, including one, which said: "Whilst this is a good idea to allow all to benefit from the essential range, what if you're a big family i.e. 6 children and you want noodles or soup for dinner for example or need 3/4 packs of ham or chicken? Ideal in some cases and not in others in my opinion."

Another agreed saying: " Lockdown was a nightmare trying to do my monthly shop, they don't consider bigger families or that you're shopping for the vulnerable as well. They should take this on board."

But others were pleased, including one mum, who said: "Good. Sick of everything being