Boots joins the proud credit crunch tradition of confused and failing British retail chains by choosing to stock an ever-expanding and schizophrenic range of products. You’ve got your standard pharmacy stuff such as toothpaste, prophylactics, hygiene products and batteries. Then you have your film development centre, with the digital cameras and accessories. Then there’s the drop-in check-up sections, and the meal deals on sandwiches, drinks and crisps. The new Woolies? You read it here first.
Arabella G.
Place rating: 3 Shoreditch, London, United Kingdom
It’s a common ailment but it still sucks to find out you need glasses. Nonetheless, there are worst places to find out you need a pair of specs than Boots Opticians Bishopsgate, a place offering eye-tests(at a cost) and a range of contact lenses and glasses. A comprehensive eye-test will set you back around £25 but the staff are at once friendly and professional. There is a good selection of eyewear, both boots own-brand and designer and 2-for-1 deals on specs are common. A very handy go-to place for the visually impaired.