Walgreens Boots Alliance expands Boots banner to South Korea

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Walgreens Boots Alliance on Monday announced that it has signed an agreement to form a franchise partnership with Emart Company, a member of Shinsegae Group and South Korea’s No. 1 hypermarket retailer. Together, they will create a Boots branded pharmacy-led, health and beauty retail franchise in South Korea.

Under the terms of the agreement, Boots branded stores will be opened in shopping malls, on main streets and within the outbound areas of Shinsegae department stores and Emart hypermarkets. The Boots stores will each feature an independent pharmacy and a range of Boots owned products and ‘exclusive to Boots’ brands as well as leading Korean brands.

“South Korea is considered a leading market for skincare and cosmetics products in Asia today.  We believe there is a significant opportunity to extend the reach of Boots own brands into this market and are thrilled to be doing so with Emart,” stated Ornella Barra, co-COO of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Emart is the preeminent retailer in South Korea and their strong experience as well as their marketing expertise gives us great confidence in the long-term potential of this partnership.”

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the Boots brand, and offer pharmacy care as well as acting as a beauty and healthcare destination by also offering a wide range of both Korean and Boots product brands.” said Gab-Soo Lee, CEO Emart.

The first stores are expected to open before the end of the first half of calendar year 2017 and will include Boots highly regarded and exclusive No7 and Soap & Glory products.