April 22, 2013 - On Friday 26th April, Asda’s fashion label George will open its first store in Malta through franchise partner, Cyka Limited. The 6,000 sq ft store will be situated in the Daniels Shopping Complex in Hamrun and will create 12 new jobs.
The expansion of one of the UK's best-loved fashion retailers to Malta is part of George’s ambitious growth plans through international expansion and the scale of six-figure reflects this. With Malta’s close historic links to the UK and large presence of UK retailers franchising in the market, it provides George with a strong growth platform as locals, ex-pats and visitors increase demand for stylish, quality and high value clothing.
Jo Whitfield, George Retail & International Director comments: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first franchise store in Malta. Shoppers are looking for real value, as well as the highest quality clothing in the current economic climate for themselves and their families and that’s exactly what the new George store will offer.
“Our Franchise Partner, Cyka Ltd, has a vast amount of franchise experience and we chose them because of their retail experience on the island, their professionalism, their passion and their commitment to bringing George to Malta.
“More stores are planned over the next two years and we will be targeting locations in Sliema and Valletta.”
The ranges stocked will be the same as the UK including G21 for the younger more fashion conscious customer to Moda for the more mature shopper as well as South Dean Street for men and a large section dedicated to childrenswear.
Marlene Seychell, Director of Cyka Limited added: "We’re excited and privileged to bring the George brand to Malta. It is one of the UK’s leading fashion brands in the UK and our ambition is to achieve the same, here in Malta.
“The high quality and fantastic prices should prove very popular with customers in Malta, particularly families with children.”
International expansion has recently seen George franchises in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and will be followed by a second store in Amman in May. Further stores in the UAE and Qatar will open in the summer. This follows already successful launches in the Channel Islands and the Middle East.
A team has been established at the George base in Lutterworth to establish, build and manage the franchise stores and develop the franchise partnerships. The team ensure that all franchise partners adhere to the brand’s core values of style, quality and value.
For more information:
Contact the Mammy Kufuor T : 0113 826 3523 E: mammy.kufuor@asda.co.uk
About George at Asda
As one of Britain’s best loved retailers, George has been changing the face of British fashion for over 20 years. As the first supermarket to launch its own clothing brand in 1990, George at Asda is now sold through more than 560 Asda stores across the UK, has an online business with over 800,000 customers a week, and employs 10,000 people across the country. It is now also a global brand, exporting the best of British design to 35 countries, with ranges sold in around the world including Canada, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Japan and the US., through franchises in the Channel Islands and Middle East and online in Europe. www.George.com
About Asda Stores Ltd
Founded in the 1960s in Yorkshire, Asda is one of Britain’s leading retailers. It has more than 180,000 dedicated Asda colleagues serving customers from 564 stores, including 32 Supercentres, 314 Superstores, 32 Asda Living stores, 179 Supermarkets, 25 depots and seven recycling centres across the UK. Its main office is in Leeds, Yorkshire and its George clothing division is in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. More than 18 million people shop at Asda stores every week and 98 per cent of UK homes are served by www.asda.com. Asda joined Walmart, the world’s number one retailer, in 1999.
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