George unveils Lutterworth base
The clothing division of supermarket giant Asda has established a site in Lutterworth to manage franchising opportunities. Clothing line George said the new facility will create an initial 40 jobs in the region.
The Lutterworth division aims to establish, build and manage franchise partnerships.
Exploring franchising opportunities is part of Asda’s long-term strategy to grow its non-food business, said the company.
Asda added it 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.
Chief executive and president Andy Clarke said: "This pilot is already providing employment opportunities in the Midlands. The George International team is currently recruiting for more than 40 new colleagues to join them at George House."
George currently accounts for about half of Asda’s general merchandise sales.
Clarke added: "George is a key driver in our ambition to grow our general merchandise businesses.
"True value for money isn’t just something on the minds of UK customers; getting the best quality at affordable prices resonates with shoppers worldwide. George is already a global business and franchising is an exciting growth opportunity for us in new markets."
