The Modern Era

Over the past three decades Boots has continued to develop product ranges, many of which are now household names. '17' cosmetics, aimed at the teenage market, was launched in 1968. The analgesic, ibuprofen was introduced in 1969, and launched as the OTC brand, Nurofen in 1983. There have been five relaunches of No7 cosmetics, the most dramatic in 1995, when the entire new range was introduced overnight in all Boots stores. Boots has also introduced new services. Boots Opticians, formed in 1987 has become one of the UK's leading chain of opticians. Insurance services, and initiatives in dentistry, chiropody, 'Boots for Men' stores and internet services were introduced in 1999. The first Health and Beauty Experience stores, offering services such as homeopathy, osteopathy and a range of beauty treatments, were opened in autumn 2000, and boots photo.com, an e-photo service, was launched in June 2000.There has been expansion in operations abroad. Boots Healthcare International (formed in 1991) exports healthcare products to more than 130 countries round the world. Boots Health and Beauty stores are now established in Ireland, Thailand and Taiwan.