Boots Retail International, the overseas division of the Boots Co Plc, is said to be considering opening health and beauty stores in Spain, Malaysia and Thailand, according to a report in the Sunday Telegraph on October 17. Last week Boots celebrated the opening of its 50th overseas store as it officially opened its first outlet in Tokyo, Japan.
Speaking to The Journal on October 18, Mr Francis Thomas (media relations manager, Boots) would not be drawn on which countries Boots might be opening stores in next. However, he said that the company was making no secret of its desire to expand further in Europe and south-east Asia. The company had considerable plans for overseas expansion, he said. At the current rate of approximately one new store per week it would be possible for Boots Retail International to have in 10 countries a total of around 2,500 stores overseas in 10 years' time. By that point, the Boots the Chemists chain in the United Kingdom would account for around one-third of the company's retail stores.
Boots the Chemists Ltd is to offer influenza vaccination for £20 through mobile units located near some of its stores next month. Appointments for injections will be available for two weeks starting on November 5. Booking for appointments started on October 18.