Boots to open second 'drive through' chemist

Boots is to expand its drive-through pharmacy format following a successful trial in Colchester.

Boots, part of Alliance Boots, sees large growth potential in the UK for the format, which is already established in the US, where there are more than 3,000 sites.

The format – like a McDonald's drive through – allows customers to drive up to a window where they can drop off or pick up prescriptions rather than queuing to go into the store.

It has just agreed a deal with British Land, its landlord, to open a store and drive through at St James Retail Park in Northampton. Due to open next May, the 4,500 sq ft store and pharmacy will be the second of up to 20 it plans to open over the next few years. Property agents Morgan Williams acted for British Land and Montagu Evans represented Boots.

In Alliance Boots's mid-year update last month, its executive chairman, Stefano Pessina, said: "In the last three years, we have made substantial capital investments in Boots in the UK to improve our stores and drive efficiency."