By George, Asda looking to franchise apparel brand overseas

LONDON — Wal-Mart Stores' Asda division Asda confirmed that it was exploring opportunities to franchise its George at Asda range in markets overseas. The company expects to announce its first overseas franchising partner in the next few months with the intention of establishing a small number of pilot stores in the Middle East in the first half of 2012. George currently accounts for around half of Asda’s general merchandise sales and is already a growing global brand through Walmart stores in seven countries worldwide, the company reported. Andy Clarke, CEO and president of Asda, comments: “George is a key