Boots, the popular UK pharmacy chain, has revealed that seven of its stores will be closing in the next few weeks as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. This comes after the company announced earlier this year that it would be closing a total of 300 stores across the UK by the end of 2023.
The seven stores set to close include Front Street in Prudhoe, Jardine Crescent in Coventry, Guildford Road in Woking, Windhill Road in Wakefield, Upper Warrengate in Wakefield, Glastonbury, and Gorleston in Great Yarmouth. These closures are a part of Boots’ plan to consolidate its operations by reducing the total number of stores from 2,200 to 1,900.
While the closure of physical stores may raise concerns about job losses, Boots has stated that it will be offering alternative roles to all affected employees. This means that workers will have the opportunity to continue working for the company, although it is unclear what these alternative roles will entail.
In addition to the seven stores set to close, eight other stores have already ceased trading this year. These include locations in Holywell, Flintshire, Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff-on-Sea, Heathside Road in Woking, the University of East Anglia Campus, Church Street in Malvern, King William Street in London, and the Port Arcades Shopping Centre in Ellesmere and Salford Shopping Centre in Greater Manchester.
Furthermore, along with store closures, Boots announced earlier this year that its manufacturing arm would be moving out of Nottingham. This marks the first time in the company’s history that there will be no Boots manufacturing based in Nottingham.
Overall, Boots’ restructuring plan aims to streamline its operations and adapt to changing consumer behavior and preferences. By consolidating its stores, the company believes it can consolidate its business and remain competitive in the dynamic retail industry.
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