Concessions key to US for Boots

Boots is talking to American partners with a view to setting up a string of concessions in the US. The health and beauty giant has learned from expensive foreign mistakes and is only entering new markets via low-cost implant models focused on Boots brands.

Boots said William Cotton, managing director of Boots Retail International would negotiate any deal. A spokesman said the venture would not involve opening stores and, if it goes ahead, would receive a limited trial.

The concession-based model developed with the Hutchison Whampoa-owned pharmacy chain Watsons has provided a lucrative outlet for own-brand sales in Taiwan.