100 new jobs as Boots open flagship store in Glasgow

 

© The Herald Originally published: 23/3/2010

Boots today launched its new flagship store in Glasgow, which will create 100 jobs.

Buchanan Galleries was chosen by the pharmacy giant as the ideal location for its biggest city outlet, which extends to two floors.

The new super-sized store covers 2,200sq ft and extra features include the introduction of a photo-processing department and an opticians selling designer brands such as Police, Kyusu, Lambretta and Givenchy.

Today Lord Provost Bob Winter was given the VIP treatment when he became the first customer to undergo an eye test.

He said: “I am delighted Boots has chosen to invest in Glasgow and create up to 100 jobs in the city. It is testament to Glasgow’s continuing success as a fantastic shopping destination which is second only to London in the UK.”

The multi-million pound investment was triggered when fashion chain H&M relocated elsewhere. Boots chiefs decided to expand their existing ground-floor store into the space vacated by H&M, extending the business across two floors to treble the size of the old outlet.

The expansion also means a mini jobs boost for the city centre, when 65 new staff clocked on for the first time today. Another 35 staff employed by beauty houses are to operate in a new beauty hall on the ground floor, which is due to open in May. The smaller store had a workforce of 70.

General manager Alex Dillon said: “The new-look Boots store at Buchanan Galleries will provide a much bigger and better store for our customers.”

The shopping centre’s general manager Hamish Millar said: “Having such a large Boots store in Buchanan Galleries is great news for the centre and shoppers. The introduction of the new opticians, premium cosmetics brands and extra services will give shoppers even more choice.”

The flagship store also has new baby ranges, including buggies, prams and nursery furniture, while a bigger pharmacy offers private consultation areas.