High street pharmacy giant Boots has launched a major expansion of its rapid delivery service, just in time for the festive season. The retailer has made its on-demand delivery option available from 500 stores across the UK, offering a potential lifeline to last-minute shoppers.
Christmas Eve Cut-Off and Speedy Service
The enhanced service promises that some orders will arrive with customers in as little as 30 minutes. In a move set to ease festive panic, Boots has confirmed that in select locations, customers can place orders right up until midnight on Christmas Eve and still receive their shopping in time for Christmas Day.
This initiative directly addresses the time pressures many face during December. New research commissioned by Boots, which surveyed over 2,000 UK shoppers, revealed that nearly a third (31%) of working people struggle to find time for Christmas shopping, while 23% say their work hours are a significant barrier.
The Modern Shopping Habits of Time-Pressed Brits
The data paints a picture of increasingly resourceful, if unconventional, shopping habits. It shows that a third (33%) of people now order gifts while commuting or at work. Almost half (49%) shop from the comfort of their bed, and one in ten men (10%) admit to doing their Christmas shopping from the pub.
To cater to this demand, Boots on-demand offers a selection of over 10,000 products, including more than 1,600 Christmas gifts. For those on a budget or in need of stocking fillers, there are over 700 gifts available for £10 and under.
Making the Festive Season Less Stressful
Paula Bobbett, Chief Data and Digital Officer at Boots, commented on the service expansion. "We all know Christmas is a busy time, so we want to make it even easier for our customers who find themselves shopping right up to the last moment," she said.
"Boots on-demand can help change that final dash into an easy delivery. At Boots, we’re here to make shopping feel joyful, not stressful, helping shoppers find thoughtful gifts quickly and easily, even if they’ve missed online order cut-offs or store opening hours."
The rollout of this extensive rapid delivery network represents a significant digital investment by the retailer, aiming to capture the valuable but frantic last-minute gift market and provide a competitive edge during the crucial Christmas trading period.
