Boots is introducing free ‘Rehydrate Stations’ to help fight plastic pollution. The international pharmacy chain has launched the drinking fountains in its flagship Covent Garden store in London.
Founded in the UK, Boots is now a subsidiary of the international holding company Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. The Walgreens Boots Alliance collectively operates in over 25 countries.
In a recent press release, Boots has indicated that the new format will eventually be adopted by all 2,500 branches.
“Brand new Beauty and Wellness halls will introduce exciting new brands, innovative experiences, and access to expert advice,” says Sebastian James, Managing Director, Boots UK and ROI. “There will be a rehydration point for refilling water bottles and an Innocent bar for people to pick up snacks.”
“There will be no single-use plastic bags used in the new store; they have been replaced with unbleached paper bags,” explains James. “This is a continuation of Boots journey to reduce plastic use across the business with expected usage down across the chain by over 1000 tonnes this year alone.”
“Our new Covent Garden store starts a journey of reinventing Boots for the future,” says James. “The store is full of exciting beauty brands, ideas for living well and services to help you get better, all with the great care that Boots colleagues give.”
Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
The new store format also includes a Vegan Wellness Spotlight for cruelty-free cosmetics and plant-based beauty projects, an area that Boots has previously expanded by stocking and producing more vegan-friendly products.
Superdrug – the second-largest health and beauty retailer in the UK after Boots – has also expanded its line of vegan and cruelty-free products to match this increased consumer demand. Last year the chain even opened a completely vegan store in London which exclusively sells cruelty-free makeup, skincare, and perfume.
“We’ve seen more and more of our customers are choosing products which are vegan,” Gemma Mason, Superdrug’s Head of Customer Experience, said to Cosmetics Business. “Even if they don’t live a totally vegan lifestyle they want to ensure the products they put on their skin don’t include animal derivatives.”
