Future of health and beauty stores unknown
Future of health and beauty stores unknown
A NATIONWIDE health and beauty chain has announced around 200 of its stores are at risk of closing - but they have not yet confirmed whether the Cheadle and Uttoxeter stores will be affected or not. Boots has revealed that it expects to close hundreds of its stores across the UK over the next 18 months due to “difficult market conditions.” While the company say that they cannot comment on individual stores, they have confirmed that a review of their store portfolio has been completed and a store optimisation process has recently commenced.
The high street chain says many of the stores in question are losing money but that “two-thirds of these are within ten minutes walking distance from another Boots store.”
Uttoxeter’s branch, located on the High Street, sits next to Boots opticians, with the Cheadle store situated at 47 High Street.
Both are the only Boots stores in their respective towns.
It is estimated that eight per cent of the company’s circa-2,500 UK stores will be impacted with Boots “committed” to placing employees who will be affected by any changes to nearby shops.
A spokesperson for the business told the Times & Echo: “We are being realistic about the future.
“We need to be agile to adapt to the changing landscape and ensure that Boots can continue to serve its patients and customers across the UK as the retail environment continues to evolve.”
Meanwhile, Boots have revealed that 26 of their beauty halls are being refurbished across the UK, introducing specialists who attain “in-depth knowledge spanning all categories and brands in store.”
Furthermore, two new stores have been opened within the last week; one in Penhale, Cornwall and a ‘store for the future’ in Covent Garden, London, which features their biggest ever ‘Wellness range.’
Boots have also launched a new prescription ordering app in a bid to win back some of the pharmaceutical share from its competitors.
These changes come as the company claims to be “transforming the experience for customers when they shop with us,” both in-store and online.
Boots were awarded the Best Beauty Retailer at the Fabulous Beauty Awards on Tuesday, beating market competitors such as Superdrug and Primark.
The company has been running since 1849 after John Boot founded the business in Nottingham to offer alternatives for those who couldn’t afford traditional medicines.
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