Asda trials ‘open to chat’ red basket for single shoppers
By James Herring on Thursday, February 12, 2026
Asda is inviting singles to wear their hearts on their handles this Valentine’s Day, with the launch of red “open to chat” shopping baskets designed to spark real life connections in store.
Rolling out on 14 February across three locations in Leicester, Liverpool and Glasgow, the initiative gives romantically inclined shoppers a simple signal.
Pick up a red basket and you are open to conversation. Prefer to focus on the milk run? Stick with green or grab a trolley.
The move is rooted in insight. Research commissioned by the retailer found 64 percent of UK adults have fancied someone in their local supermarket, while 87 percent would rather meet a partner in person than on a dating app. A further 76 percent said the supermarket is a good place to meet someone.
With more than eight in 10 admitting they feel shy asking for a number, Asda positions the baskets as a playful nudge.
“We know people are craving real life connections,” said a spokesperson.
ASA“These red baskets are a fun, light hearted way to help people connect while they are already doing their everyday shop.”
Love, it seems, could be lurking in aisle five.
