More than 200 Boots stores across the UK could be closed by its American owners Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) in a bid to cut costs.

The shops - which are in areas where Boots has more than one store - are under review for possible closure.

Southport has two stores one on Chapel Street and one at Central 12 along with several chemists across the town.

It is understood the review will take place over the next 12 to 18 months.

Boots said it did not have "a major programme envisaged" but was always reviewing "underperforming stores and opportunities for consolidation".

"We are being realistic about the future and that we will need to be agile to adapt to the changing landscape," it added.

The chain has 2,485 stores across the UK, employing about 56,000 staff.

Because the company only made £391million profit shops may close and people may lose their jobs.

This is another example of being able to buy the same goods far cheaper elsewhere, I was quoted £300 for glasses a few weeks ago, I got them for £120!

Whether it's glasses or toiletries when you pass numerous shops selling the same product for £'s cheaper then I know where I'll shop.

My guess would be Chapel St would close assuming they start closing branches, no idea on rents but from ease of access Central 12 is better.

I'm amazed Next is still open on Lord St for the same reason.

Originally Posted by salus.populi

Because the company only made £391million profit shops may close and people may lose their jobs.

Welcome to capitalism. Greed greed greed greed.

https://www.medact.org/project/alliance-boots-campaign/

Tax avoiders, I don’t go there

Originally Posted by gsgsgs

My guess would be Chapel St would close assuming they start closing branches, no idea on rents but from ease of access Central 12 is better.

Yes if I were a betting man that's where my money would be.

It will, no doubt, be a financial decision, based on many variables. e.g. rent, sq footage, footfall, etc.

Ease of access contributes to some of these and will therefore be a factor.
Difficulties in parking near the Chapel Street branch will definitely move things in Central 12's favour.

Still, looking on the bright side, another opportunity for a much needed Charity shop.

Originally Posted by r4dent

Yes if I were a betting man that's where my money would be.

It will, no doubt, be a financial decision, based on many variables. e.g. rent, sq footage, footfall, etc.

Ease of access contributes to some of these and will therefore be a factor.
Difficulties in parking near the Chapel Street branch will definitely move things in Central 12's favour.

Still, looking on the bright side, another opportunity for a much needed Charity shop.

Length of Lease needs to be taken into account as well, just because the shop is closed it doesn't mean they stop paying rent.

Originally Posted by Alikado

Length of Lease needs to be taken into account as well

Like I said there will be many factors .....

Tangible items like staff age / service profile for redundancy costs; anticipated refurbishment comparisons; Logistics implications; revised allocation algorithms; cash flow and ROI calculations.
Just depends how complex a model they (or their consultants) develop.

There will also be intangible considerations like market positioning; perceived image and customer demographics.

The only people who know the exact methodology will be hidden away in a corporate building somewhere.

Originally Posted by roving-eye

More than 200 Boots stores across the UK could be closed by its American owners Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) in a bid to cut costs.
The shops - which are in areas where Boots has more than one store - are under review for possible closure.

Southport has two stores one on Chapel Street and one at Central 12 along with several chemists across the town.
It is understood the review will take place over the next 12 to 18 months.
Boots said it did not have "a major programme envisaged" but was always reviewing "underperforming stores and opportunities for consolidation".
"We are being realistic about the future and that we will need to be agile to adapt to the changing landscape," it added.
The chain has 2,485 stores across the UK, employing about 56,000 staff.

i know a few people that work there for over 20 years...they have been changing the hours and shifts of the staff making it not worth working there hoping they would leave...and a lot have ....so saving redundancy payments...the big boots shops are obiously unable to compete with much cheaper stores where you can park for free...i would not be surprised if both big stores close and the smaller ones stay open...times are changing and people now just shop elsewhere

Whenever we need basic items of medicine (e.g. paracetamol) and first aid (e.g. plasters and antiseptics) the last place we think of is Boots due to the high prices.

In Chapel Street, you can walk across the road to Bodycare or Wilko and get them much cheaper. The only advantage of Boots is that they do have a much larger range if you want more specialised items.

I think that Boots has relied for many years on elderly folk thinking of it as a 'trusted name' (like British Gas and BT) but times have changed.

Originally Posted by Lamparilla

Whenever we need basic items of medicine (e.g. paracetamol) and first aid (e.g. plasters and antiseptics) the last place we think of is Boots due to the high prices.

In Chapel Street, you can walk across the road to Bodycare or Wilko and get them much cheaper. The only advantage of Boots is that they do have a much larger range if you want more specialised items.

I think that Boots has relied for many years on elderly folk thinking of it as a 'trusted name' (like British Gas and BT) but times have changed.

A great loss.

I worked at the main Boots store in Southport (in my youth). The Lord Street Boots was a very busy store back in the day.

It even had a Library!

Originally Posted by thediscovolante

i know a few people that work there for over 20 years...they have been changing the hours and shifts of the staff making it not worth working there hoping they would leave...and a lot have ....so saving redundancy payments...the big boots shops are obiously unable to compete with much cheaper stores where you can park for free...i would not be surprised if both big stores close and the smaller ones stay open...times are changing and people now just shop elsewhere

Boots used to be an excellent company but once it was taken over by the Americans prices increased dramatically, and conditions for staff decreased. The turnover of staff is large, the company make wonderful career promises to the staff when they employ them, but never keep to these promises. It is poorly managed by people who just have not got a clue - there are a huge number of staff complaints in all branches and Head Office.