George clothing under pressure

Wal-Mart is expected to confirm the recovery of Asda this week, despite problems at clothing brand George. George is under pressure this week following the departure of global brand chief Angela Spindler, who was a member of the Asda executive board.

Asda chief executive Andy Bond, who previously ran George, has taken control until a successor is appointed. It is thought that George, as advertised by Wayne Rooney's fiancee Coleen McLoughlin, has not been immune to challenging trading conditions in the sector. It has come under pressure from the expansion of Primark with Asda opting to expand its homeware chain Asda Living, which incorporates George, rather than open dedicated stores.