Limeys Leaving ASDA

Since Wal-Mart Stores Inc. bought the British supermarket chain ASDA Group Plc. in 1999 for $10.8 billion, the Brits have been bailing.

Allan Leighton, who headed 232-store ASDA chain, left to “go plural.” George Davies, who created ASDA’s “George” fashion line, decided to design clothes for Marks and Spencer instead. And Mike Coup, trading director, left to join Iceland, a frozen foods retailer.

The latest to leap was Andy Clarke, who will leave after a decade with ASDA to become retail director for Matalan Plc. Clarke made the announcement Feb. 28.

Could it be that the Brits are a little too reserved to do the Wal-Mart cheer every morning? Or could it be because the London press refers to them as “Wal-Martians?”