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We have developed a very clear strategy for
Boots The Chemists (BTC). Central to the
strategy and its success is our healthcare offer
- which is the thread that ties all our stores
together; big or small, urban or rural, central
or edge-of-town. We have 1,400 stores and in
nearly every store there is a pharmacist able to
offer guidance and expertise on healthcare
matters. Healthcare is a growing market as the
population ages and the need to make health
provision easier and more convenient means the
role of the pharmacist is increasing in our
everyday lives.
Beauty and toiletries continue to be key
markets. Our expertise in beauty and our growing
number of beauty halls has delivered market
share growth. In toiletries, the most
competitive area and where our rivals are
strongest and pushing hardest, we have competed
well and held market share. These are
encouraging trends and give us confidence that
all our efforts are being appreciated by the
customer.
We're making our stores look better; we're
opening more of them, particularly edge-of-town,
we're improving our record on availability and
we're investing in our people. Key here is a
fresh focus on improving our already excellent
level of expert customer care. |
That is one of the things which gives Boots a
major competitive advantage, we are one of the
few stores where people expect and receive
expertise.
For example, changes to the healthcare system
means that Boots can now offer a comprehensive,
integrated approach to lifestyle health issues
such as stopping smoking and losing weight. One
of our stores in Birmingham recently helped
1,000 people start on the journey to give up
smoking with a series of classes that look at
the problems they face in a rounded way. Those
who want to lose weight can sign up for a course
offering expert health and advice and an
effective weight loss medicine along with
discounts on our Shapers food ranges and
exercise equipment.
Being competitive on price is vital. We have
lowered prices and will continue to offer
greater value. We will continue to improve our
ranges. We will develop new products that make
people feel that shopping at Boots is an
exciting as well as a necessary thing. We will
improve and update ranges where they need it. |
