**Grandmother Banned from Asda Store Following Sticker-Switching Accusations**
A 67-year-old grandmother from Wales has been handed a three-year ban from her local Asda supermarket after being accused of swapping yellow reduction stickers, a cost-saving tactic which retailers strictly categorise as fraudulent. The woman at the centre of this controversy, Jan Rhodes, staunchly denies any wrongdoing and labels the episode as a clear case of mistaken identity.
Jan, a regular Asda shopper since the supermarket branch opened its doors in 2015, spoke of her shock and distress after store security abruptly approached her during what was meant to be a routine visit. “I’d only popped in for a few bits,” she explained. “Then suddenly I was told I couldn’t shop there anymore. I’m furious and it just feels very unfair. I’ve never done what they claim – I’m innocent, and they’ve got the wrong person.”
The incident, which has sparked debate over store policies and customer rights, involved allegations that Jan had repeatedly transferred yellow discount stickers from cheaper to more expensive products. Asda management insist their decision to ban her was made after verifying evidence, including CCTV footage which, they say, shows her carrying out the deceitful act.
Jan’s partner, Rob Gillies, has publicly defended her character and tried to clarify the situation with store staff. One specific point of contention was over a packet of bacon, which Asda claimed was improperly discounted. Rob asserts that this item was purchased legitimately the day before the ban was enforced. “I even went back with the bacon packaging to prove our case,” Rob remarked. “We believe it’s all a misunderstanding.”
Lending further support, Jan’s stepdaughter, Leanne Hutchings, visited the store and argued her stepmother’s innocence. She reported: “They’re saying she’s been doing this for a long time and even accused her of abusive behaviour towards staff. I told them Jan is always polite and would never be rude or confrontational – it doesn’t add up.”
Asda, meanwhile, maintains its stance. In an official statement, a spokesperson said: “We require all customers to respect our colleagues and our stores. While barring a customer is always our last resort, this action was taken following repeated incidents of disruptive and abusive conduct.”
The supermarket’s response has raised questions within the local community about the evidence threshold required to ban a loyal customer and the process by which such decisions are made. Critics argue that mistaken identity or ambiguity in video evidence could lead to unjust bans. Supporters believe supermarkets must enforce strict measures to protect their operations from fraudulent practices.
Jan says the episode has left her reputation sullied in her local area, and she insists she is determined to clear her name. “I’ve shopped there for years; I know so many of the staff by name. Being accused like this is humiliating,” she said. “I just want a chance to tell my side and prove my innocence.”
Asda’s policy on the fraudulent misuse of pricing or discount labels is not unique, with retailers across the UK adopting rigorous surveillance and zero-tolerance approaches. Yet cases like Jan’s highlight the balance supermarkets must strike between loss prevention and fair treatment of customers.
The story continues to generate conversation both online and within the Welsh community. As Jan considers her next steps, some observers believe this incident could spark wider scrutiny of how disputes between supermarkets and shoppers are investigated and resolved. For now, Jan Rhodes remains determined to contest what she sees as a deeply unfair verdict.