This is the company’s first store in the emirate and is part of a major expansion plan in the region.
Growing business in the region
Commenting on the new store opening Alliance Boots’ President Richard Morgan, said: “Our investment in the emirate reflects our commitment to growing our business in the region and we look forward to expanding our presence shortly.”
The store will offer over 3,000 of its own brand products including the ever popular No 7 cosmetics and skincare brand, along with other brand offerings.
In addition, a makeup counter with beauty consultants will offer consumers No 7 makeovers.
Boots currently has twelve stores in the region and plan to add to this in the near future.
International expansion has been a main focus for the UK-based pharmacy chain since the merger with Alliance Unichem in 2006.
“As a result of the merger and subsequent move to private ownership, we see Alliance Boots as having the skills, resources and financial strength to execute our strategy of moving into large and fast growing new international markets,” the company said in its annual report.
Ireland and Thailand strong in 2007
In terms of health and beauty retailing, the two overseas markets that the company highlighted in the annual report were Ireland and Thailand where growth was the most positive of the non UK markets.
Revenue in Thailand came in at £47m for the year ending 31 March 2008, an increase of 5.2 per cent on a like for like basis, and the company noted the proportion of locally sourced Boots products has continued to increase, which has helped margins.
Likewise Ireland reported a 10 per cent increase on a like for like basis on the basis of revenues worth £184m, with the cosmetic and fragrances category again performing particularly well.