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Health and beauty giant Boots will reduce its store portfolio once again this week by closing two more branches.
It comes as part of a huge programme of rationalisation that the chain has announced, which will see the number of outlets reduced from a total of 2,200 to 1,900.
While the brand has reassured customers that it will only close down sites with neighbouring Boots within a three-mile radius, it hasn’t softened the blow for some shoppers.
Three high streets will bid farewell to a pharmacy this week, including two in England and one in Wales.
The first will shut down for good today, Thursday, March 21, in Castlecroft, Wolverhampton.
In two days, a second Boots branch in Rhos on Sea, Wales, will lock its doors for one last time. It comes just weeks before the closure of a nearby store which is expected on April 6.
The pharmacy in Colwyn Bay will be axed as part of the company’s plans to lose 300 stores nationwide.
Speaking on the imminent closures, Clwyd West MP David Jones said: “This is hugely bad news for the local community. This is not a case of simple shop closures.
“Pharmacies play an important role in the delivery of health care, and many people will be extremely worried as to how they will be able to obtain essential medicines. More broadly, it is another body blow for the local retail economy.”
Before the second site in Wales closes down, those local to the branch in Rainham, Kent will bid farewell to the Boots pharmacy on March 30.
There is some good news for locals as the shop will remain as a pharmacy, and simply switch hands to the independent community pharmacy, Jhoots, according to KentOnline.
A staff member posted a message online to let customers know which read: “Come in and see the team and I if you’ve got any questions whilst we transition over. Thank you for your service and support.”
The store is expected to continue dispensing prescriptions until the closing date.
