Report: Asda to debut George stores

Belfast, Ireland -- A report in the Belfast Telegraph Tuesday said that Wal-Mart-owned supermarket chain Asda has released plans to open its first George stores overseas as it looks to turn the fashion label into a global retail brand.



The chain has set up a team at George's Lutterworth, Leicestershire base to explore entering into franchise arrangements for the first time. According to the report, George expects to announce its first partner in the Middle East in the next few months, followed by store openings in the first half of 2012.



The George label already trades in six countries in stores run by Walmart, but the business now hopes to step up its expansion by opening specialist George outlets in new markets overseas through franchise agreements.



Asda CEO Andy Clarke said: "George is a key driver in our ambition to grow our general merchandise businesses."