Wondering if your local Boots store will stay open during lockdown? The recently announced second lockdown will mean that all 'non-essential shops' will be forced to close their doors from 5 November for at least 28 days. While pharmacies aren't named on the government's example list of essential businesses, it looks like Boots will remain open during lockdown – that goes for the physical stores as well as (of course) online. There's a message on the Boots.com site that states that boots will remain open.
In the first lockdown, Boots was allowed to continue trading as pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) were considered essential. However, at that time Boots encouraged people to shop at Boots online wherever possible, and temporarily closed a number of its shops due to a lack of footfall. It also suspended its click-and-collect service – and it looks like this option is still unavailable.
There is free delivery on online orders when you spend £30 or more, though – and the promise of lots of excellent Black Friday deals (some offers are going live already).
In the last lockdown, Boots Opticians and Hearingcare centres shut down, but it doesn't look like that'll be the case for lockdown tow. Boots Opticians has a note on its site saying it'll remain open. There's no confirmation either way on the Hearingcare page.
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Can I shop at Boots Online?
If possible, it's better to stay home and shop at Boots Online rather than head to a physical store. Delivery is free for orders over £30 (lowered from £45). In lockdown one, there was such a rush on ordering online, there were lengthy virtual queues to access Boots.com, but we don't anticipate there being such issues this time round. You'll be shown the next available delivery slot when you place your order, and if there's a delay, Boots will text to let you know.
Boots is using no-contact delivery – parcels will be posted through the door where possible, or left in a safe place. There is no need for signatures.
Back in the spring, stockpiling issues meant Boots had to place limits on how many of certain products you could order (things like paracetamol, pain relief, cough and cold products, hand sanitisers, soap and handwash, nappies and antibacterial products). We don't anticipate there being any issues with that this time round, but our advice in general remains the same: only buy what you need.
- Browse antibacterial products at Boots – including hand sanitizer and wipes
- Browse pain relief at Boots – including paracetamol to ease COVID-19 symptoms
- Browse soap at Boots – wash your hands regularly to protect against the virus
- Browse toilet paper at Boots
- Browse other toiletries at Boots – including shampoo, toothpaste and razors
- Browse cough and cold medicine at Boots – to manage flu-like symptoms
What about prescription deliveries?
If you have repeat NHS prescription, you can get this delivered to your door for free, or collect free in store. There are no known issues or delays with this service at time of writing.
Can I use Boots click-and-collect?
Boots suspended its Click-and-Collect service during lockdown one, and it looks like this option remains unavailable.
Boots store opening hours during UK lockdown
Check the online store locator for information on your local Boots. If you do need to visit a store, you will be asked to observe social distancing guidelines, and wear a mask. Shoppers are also being encouraged to pay using contactless – the payment limit has been upped from £30 to £45.
