Stories

Fri, 09 Oct 2026

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 Boots has a new owner: Three ways it could affect you

The stalwart of Britain's High Street has been sold to a Canadian billionaire family. What will that mean for you?
New-look beauty areas have been introduced at some Boots stores, offering customers a more department store-like experience. Analyst Sofie Willmott suggests that Boots should invest in upgrading its smaller stores, which may lack investment and appear disconnected from the rest of the chain. The new owners plan to expand Boots' healthcare services, including its pharmacy and vaccination services. This is likely due to the increasing demand for health services and medications, particularly among younger customers who are seeking products online through influencer ads rather than visiting brick-and-mortar stores. Boots' Advantage card loyalty scheme is unlikely to be discontinued, with analysts suggesting it offers good value to customers. However, some customers have complained that the rewards points can only be used towards full transactions, making them less flexible than other store cards. The new ownership may also lead to changes in Boots' product offerings and marketing strategies. The Weston family has a track record of investing in retail businesses and expanding their operations. Overall, the sale of Boots to the Weston family could bring significant changes to the pharmacy chain's operations and shopping experience, with potential implications for customers, employees, and the wider retail industry.