03 June 2019
Boots has stated that it does not foresee a major programme of closures, despite reports that more than 200 stores are under review.
Last week, Sky News reported that the American owner of Boots, Walgreens Boots Alliance, has placed more than 200 stores under review for possible closure in the next two years.
In a statement, a spokesperson from Boots explained: “We currently do not have a major programme envisaged, but as you’d expect we always review underperforming stores and seek out opportunities for consolidation.
“As is natural with a business of our size, we have stores opening, closing and relocating on a regular basis, but we have had around 2500 stores open for several years now.”
Boots highlighted that it is investing in its stores, with a merchandising update of its self-selection cosmetics areas completed in 2200 stores last year.
It also plans to open a new flagship store in Covent Garden, London and reinvent its beauty business in 24 branches across the UK.
“We are being realistic about the future and that we will need to be agile to adapt to the changing landscape,” the spokesperson added.
When asked by OT how its opticians business will be affected, Boots did not provide a comment.
Head of employment at the AOP, Debbie Nathan, said that any AOP members who are concerned about the potential closure of Boots Opticians stores should call 0207 549 2018 or email.
Ms Nathan shared: “The employment law team advises members on a range of queries in relation to store closures, including redundancy consultation, rights to alternative employment and redundancy payments.”
Last week, Sky News reported that the American owner of Boots, Walgreens Boots Alliance, has placed more than 200 stores under review for possible closure in the next two years.
In a statement, a spokesperson from Boots explained: “We currently do not have a major programme envisaged, but as you’d expect we always review underperforming stores and seek out opportunities for consolidation.
“As is natural with a business of our size, we have stores opening, closing and relocating on a regular basis, but we have had around 2500 stores open for several years now.”
Boots highlighted that it is investing in its stores, with a merchandising update of its self-selection cosmetics areas completed in 2200 stores last year.
It also plans to open a new flagship store in Covent Garden, London and reinvent its beauty business in 24 branches across the UK.
“We are being realistic about the future and that we will need to be agile to adapt to the changing landscape,” the spokesperson added.
When asked by OT how its opticians business will be affected, Boots did not provide a comment.
Head of employment at the AOP, Debbie Nathan, said that any AOP members who are concerned about the potential closure of Boots Opticians stores should call 0207 549 2018 or email.
Ms Nathan shared: “The employment law team advises members on a range of queries in relation to store closures, including redundancy consultation, rights to alternative employment and redundancy payments.”
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