Boots asks beauty staff to support pharmacy operations

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Mar 24, 2020

Boots has asked beauty colleagues to consider staying in-store and switching roles to assist its healthcare division, as the UK ramps up lockdown measures to fight the coronavirus epidemic.

The leading health and beauty retailer is allowed to open its stores as it operates a pharmacy service. Non-essential stores, including shops selling clothing, electricals and books have been forced to close as part of the UK government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis, but food retailers, pharmacies and petrol stores are exempt from the ban.

Boots said its Opticians and Hearingcare stores across the UK will temporarily close, while beauty colleagues, including those who work for No7, Liz Earle, Benefit, Fenty and fragrance counters will not be required to go to work.

A small number of Boots Opticians and Hearingcare stores will remain open to care for those with essential needs.

Seb James, managing director of Boots UK, said on Tuesday: “Boots has a unique role to play during this time, and our duty and focus is to ensure that pharmacy, healthcare and a wide range of the essential products that we sell are available to those who need them.

“I know that Boots colleagues are doing everything they can to support this effort. It makes me hugely proud and I want to thank the teams for their outstanding dedication in keeping our pharmacies and stores open. Boots continues to be a place of trust for those who need us.”