Boots the Chemist is 175: We take a look at the High Street giant

With a shop on nearly every shopping street, Boots remains a giant of British retail.

Transcript

00:00 In 1849, a Nottingham herbalist laid the foundation for what would become a staple of British

00:09 healthcare retail. Now 175 years later, amidst a retail landscape where giants like Debenhams

00:16 have fallen, Boots the chemist stands resilient, still operating in 2,500 stores. The company's

00:24 history is marked by innovation, notably the invention of ibuprofen, which revolutionised

00:31 pay management. Despite the challenges faced by UK retailers, it has adapted, maintaining

00:38 relevance in a market that has witnessed significant change. The current ownership by Walgreen's

00:44 Boots Alliance, an American corporation, underscores the global nature of today's retail, as we

00:51 reflect on Boots' 175-year journey. It's a particularly noteworthy achievement during

00:58 this time where we've lost so many other stalwarts of the British high street.