Boots is one of the most well known high street chemists. It's a familiar face in most towns, and has a pretty consistent range of goods and styles of stores.
Boots has gimmicks that put them above some other chemist chains, such as their quality own brand ranges and their loyalty card, which incidentally is one of the best on the market. They also stock a wide range of goods, including sandwiches and snacks, and even cards, gift wrap and photo services.
The boots advantage card is one of the gimmicks that attract me to boots. For every £1 you spend in the store you receive 4 points, worth 4p. Once you build up enough points, you can buy goods from the store, including perfumes and skincare ranges. They also have extra points on spends and triple points weekends, which makes it easy to build up a balance on the advantage card. You even get points on top up cards, which I use, and I find it really easy to build up my points by topping up my mobile and getting free shampoo while I'm at it!
Another major selling point for boots is its own brand cosmetics ranges. Currently they have 4 ranges, No7, 17, Botanics and Natural Collection. No7 is a premium brand, very good make up, but prices are still reasonable for the quality. 17 is aimed at teenagers, and is cheap, but excellent quality for their prices. The Botanics range includes plant extracts. The natural collection is also aimed at teenagers with cheap effective products.
Boots also stock a lot of own brand items, and have their own brands in many items. One of their major sellers is the Botanics range; I mentioned the cosmetics side of this range above. They also so a range of body and face products, all relatively cheap and work really well. I especially love their rough skin scrub and face masks.
They also do a range called natural collection, a range of fruit smelling products, including bath, face products and lip glosses. These are around £3 for most products and are often on buy one, get one free ranges.
The fresh range is similar although slightly more expensive, and not as widely available as the natural collection. I really love their fruity shower gels. They are often on 3 for 2 offers.
They also have a very effective hair care range and teenage spot skin ranges. Their own brand shampoos and conditioners, £1.29 each are among the best I've ever used.
Boots also, in most stores, stock sandwiches and salads. They offer a meal deal, which includes a drink, sandwich and crisps/chocolate for £2.95. Most stores stock their crisps and chocolates, including the boots shapers range, chocolate 7 crisps that are low in fat, but still taste great.
Boots also stock a variety of electrical goods, such as shavers, hair dryers and styling equipment. The pries are reasonable, and most can be bought with points as well.
The only disadvantage with boots is that the prices tend to be higher for most items. The offers to make sometimes more affordable, but I find that overall, Superdrug & independent chemists can stock items a lot cheaper. This is partly because of the loyalty scheme, which tends to balance the prices in some products.
Another point against boots is that they have a tendency to update ranges a lot, meaning that once you find a product you really like and works well for you, they may discontinue it. This happened with their pink Henna wax conditioner, the newer variety isn't as good.
Overall, I love boots, and tend to spend hours in their. I couldn't cover everything that you'll find in a large boots store, but overall, they are a great chemist chain, stocking so much more than just pharmacy items, and the perfect place for any female to spend the afternoon!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Always try to buy here if I can as the Reward Scheme is excellent.
m.lyon 07.04.2004 16:18
I got quite a lot of stuff from Boots for Xmas presents - got a nice sum on the advantage card too. Great op. marc
Calypte 06.04.2004 14:25
I got £26 worth of points from an online offer, so I'm still having free lunches all the time! :) The only thing I find - other than the price - is that the one near me isn't big enough to stock all the things I'd want.
Advantages: wide range of goods, many special promotions, loyalty card scheme very tempting, good pharmacy, excellent levels of customer care Disadvantages: some products overpriced
molelover 17.10.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Boots (Shop)
Advantages: Huge range of products, fantastic and regular special offers, great loyalty scheme Disadvantages: Sometimes over-priced, pharmacy is not as good as smaller pharmacies
Pumpkin 18.12.2003 (24.12.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Boots (Shop)
Apr 5th, 2004
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