What is Boots in the UK?
Boots is a leading pharmacy and health and beauty retailer in the United Kingdom, with stores on high streets across the country. It was founded in Nottingham in 1849 by John Boot.
John Boot opened a herbal medicine shop in Nottingham to help poor people who could not afford doctors. His son, Jesse Boot, expanded the business into a national chain.
Jesse Boot became a major philanthropist and donated land for the University of Nottingham.
Pharmacy and beauty
Boots sells medicines, cosmetics, toiletries and photo services. Its pharmacists fill prescriptions for NHS patients.
Boots is known for its own brands, such as No7 skincare and Botanics. Its meal deal, a sandwich, snack and drink for a set price, is popular.
Boots merged with the American pharmacy chain Walgreens in 2014, but its headquarters are still in Nottingham.
The Boots Advantage Card loyalty scheme is one of the most popular in the UK.
Boots stores range from small local pharmacies to large flagship stores in city centers, and many are found in shopping centers, airports and railway stations. Some stores offer services such as eye tests, hearing tests and vaccinations.