Boots calls it a day

Boots has issued a statement regarding the company's involvement in the retail model. This is what the company is saying….

“As the UK's leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, part of our commitment to our customers is assessing how we can provide services and products to support independent living. As such, since March 2009, Boots UK has been exploring the feasibility of participating in the new service for dispensing community equipment to the public. Working with the Department of Health, Local Authority teams, suppliers and other interested organisations this service has been tested in a number of our stores.”

“As a consequence of this work it has become clear that the market for community equipment is significantly smaller than forecast. It is also clear that the variation of the service caused by specific local requirements, expectations and market conditions would make it difficult to operate it consistently across the entire chain.”

“Unfortunately we have decided not to develop the service any further and withdraw it at a date to be agreed with each local authority. We will continue to offer a wide range of community equipment online and in our stores.”