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Asda grew its volume share of the book market by 8.5% in 2008 and has planned for further expansion by almost doubling its book team. Steph Bateson, the team's book buyer, has been promoted to buying manager.
She will have responsibility for the adult chart and running the book team. It is the first time the supermarket has employed a dedicated books buying manager as the role used to be jointly held by the buying manager for magazines.
Bateson previously worked alongside children's buyer Dan Carroll, who continues in the same role, and two trading assistants. One of these assistants, Mathew Watterson, has been promoted to having responsibility for buying promotions and the adult range.
Roshani Dezoysa also joins the team from Asda's jewellery department as its returns and inventory manager. Three trading assistants will provide the book team with administrative support.
Bateson said that despite the changes to the team, there would be no radical alteration to the book offer. "The team has been increased because there is an opportunity for growth of book sales within Asda," she said. "The department is now seen as having a higher priority within the company."
Bateson refused to outline the supermarket's plans for 2009 but said it would aim to "give more value to customers during the recession" and develop the offer further online. She added the retailer had "high single digit value growth" in the fourth quarter of 2008, driven in particular by children's books.