'Terrifying' Tesco ad sparks scores of ASA complaints

Tesco is facing a major backlash against its latest Clubcard ad, with the ad watchdog revealing it has received 58 complaints about the TV spot, which has already been branded “creepy” and “terrifying”.

The ad, by BBH London, shows a woman packing her shopping at the checkout as the Clubcard discounts flash up on screen on products from a range of brands, including Pizza Express, Birds Eye and McCain.

As the Snap song I’ve Got the Power blasts out, the woman’s face is overlaid with a Snapchat-style smiling filter that appears across her face.

She is then seen walking along the street looking very pleased with herself, passing other Tesco shoppers with similar smiles before she gets home to be greeted by a grinning pooch. The voiceover states: “Feel the power to lower prices”.

However, since launch the spot has been berated on social media. One person tweeted: “Whoever in the marketing department at Tesco’s thought this was a good idea needs to be on a written warning by Monday,” while another said: “I absolutely HATE your new ad campaign with this freakshow image showing what happens if shoppers take advantage of Clubcard prices. That horrible, garish demonic-looking customer looks like a Stepford punter. Those manic eyes!! GET RID OF IT.”

Other comments include: “Who is responsible for the abject horror of the Tesco Clubcard ad? Show yourself, you monster”, and “@Tesco what are you doing to the nation? The Tesco #clubcard ad on tv tonight gave me the fear! It has me terrified to shop @Tesco now.”

Now it seems viewers are taking their concerns one step further, with the Advertising Standards Authority confirming it has received 58 complaints.

Tesco has yet to comment.