Boots is set to continue closing stores in the new year as part of cost-cutting plans.
The health and beauty chain confirmed in June that it would reduce its number of shops around the country by 300 – from 2,200 stores nationwide to 1,900 – but had not revealed which branches would close in the statement.
Boots has now revealed the names of the first 20 shops to shut, including the Boots on King William Street in central London. The decision by Boots follows that of M&S, Iceland, Next, and Clinton’s to reduce outlets.
A Boots spokeswoman said: “Evolving the store estate in this way allows Boots to concentrate its team members where they are needed.
“[It will allow us to] focus investment more acutely in individual stores with the ambition of consistently delivering an excellent and reliable service in a fresh and up-to-date environment.”
This is what that could mean for the brand.
Why is Boots closing stores?
Boots says the move is about trying to “consolidate a number of stores in close proximity to each other”.
Last month, in its quarterly results, Boots said: “Evolving the store estate in this way allows Boots to concentrate its team members where they are needed and focus investment more acutely in individual stores with the ambition of consistently delivering an excellent and reliable service in a fresh and up-to-date environment.”
Boots said shoppers affected by the closures will have alternative stores less than three miles away. All affected staff members have also been offered opportunities in other stores in the local areas.
Since 2019, Boots has already closed around 200 stores along with 48 optician services.
Which shops have already shut?
Salford Shopping Centre, Greater Manchester – February 2023
Church Street, Malvern – March 2023
The Port Arcades Shopping Centre, Ellesmere – March 2023
King William Street, London – June 2023
Heathside Road, Woking – July 2023
UEA campus – July 2023
Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff – August 2023
Holywell, Flintshire – August 2023
Windhill Road, Wakefield – October 2023
Upper Warrengate, Wakefield – October 2023
Glastonbury – October 2023
Uppingham Road, Leicester – October 2023
Guildford Road, Woking – October 2023
Kings Square, York – October 2023
Warminster – October 2023
Gorleston, Great Yarmouth – November 2023
High Row, Darlington – November 2023
Mudge Way, Plymouth – November 2023
Mount Pleasant, Exeter – November 2023
-
Kirkby Ashfield – November 2023
Which shops are set to close in 2024?
Cliftonville, Kent – January 20
Pemberton, Wigan – January 26
Hough Lane, Layland, Lancashire – to close in January
Front Street, Prudhoe – no date
Rhos on Sea – March 2024
Colwyn Bay – April 2024
Caerleon Road, Newport – to close in early 2024
Chepstow Road, Newport – to close in early 2024
Carlyon Road, St Austell, Cornwall – to close in early 2024
St Blazey, Cornwall – to close in early 2024
Lurgan – no date
Chard Road, Plymouth – no date
Mannamead Road, Plymouth – no date
Claremont Street, Plymouth – no date
Portland Walk, Barrow – no date
Gestridge Road, Teignbridge – no date
