‘Deep disappointment’ as pharmacy giant with more than 2,000 locations to close store doors for good
CUSTOMERS have been left “deeply disappointed” as a pharmacy giant with more than 2,000 locations is set to close its doors for good.
The MP for East Devon has called for the popular store in Sidmouth to be kept open.
A closure notice was advertised in the Boots pharmacy on Woolbrook Road at the beginning of November, sparking concerns from residents who face difficulties accessing the other Boots store on Fore Street.
Simon Jupp has since wrote to the managing director of Boots UK, Sebastian James, to express his disappointment with the sudden decision to close the doors of the popular pharmacy.
He also asked James for the reason behind the stores closure.
The Sidmouth store told The Herald that the establishment was closing due to having two stores located closely to each other.
The second Boots store is located in Sidmouth High Street, which includes a Boots Eyecare store next door.
After relaying the direct complaints that he has received from worried residents about how they will collect their prescription medicines, Jupp has urged James to reverse the decision.
He said: “I am deeply disappointed by Boots’ sudden decision to close the Woolbrook Pharmacy and the significant impact it will have on its loyal customers.
“The staff in there are fantastic, it’s very popular amongst locals and it provides an important service to the most vulnerable and elderly who can pick up their prescriptions with ease.
“I’m urging Boots to explain their decision and consider again whether it’s really in the best interests of the town.”
A spokesperson for Boots Pharmacy told the outlet that their priority is making sure their stores are suitably located while being able to offer customers a reliable service.
They also explained that over the course of the next year, Boots will continue to merge stores that are within 2km of each other.
This will enable them to focus investment and concentrate on team members.
“Pharmacy services will be continued at your nearest open store, where we continue to offer pharmacy services for customers and patients,” they said.
Boots is set to close several more stores in the coming months as part of its plan to shut 300 shops over the next year.
The pharmacy chain will be closing the following branches:
- Mudge Way, Plymouth – November 18
- Mount Pleasant, Exeter – November 18
- Kirkby Ashfield – November 18
- Cambridge Road, Stanstead – January 6
- Margate, Kent – January 20
- Wood Street, Swindon – February 9
- Front Street, Prudhoe – no date
It comes after residents started a petition after finding out their local Boots pharmacy in Bristol has been listed for closure in mid-January 2024.
Neil Goldsmith, who is part of the group opposing the closure, told BBC News: “The news has come as a real blow to us.
“The branch is particularly important for those in the local community who have no means of transport and a significant proportion of the customers walk to the branch as it is surrounded by residential streets.”