In the emerging markets of Asia the Strepsils brand has a strong profile. Strepsils are now also available in China and Argentina. In 1997 pilot stores were opened in Thailand and the Netherlands to test the markets and to learn more about customers. In May 1998 the decision was taken to expand the business in Thailand and this is progressing extremely well with 50 stores now trading successfully. The Thailand stores are primarily based in Bangkok although there are increasing numbers of stores in tourist locations and provincial cities around the country.
All stores have pharmacies.
Our pilot stores in the Netherlands have recently been sold to the Dutch Retailer, Etos. This has provided the opportunity for Boots products to be sold in over 400 Etos stores throughout the Netherlands. In September and October 2000 the first four Boots stores opened in Taiwan, with four more opened by March 2001. All stores are based on the BTC Health and Beauty offer although the size of the stores varies slightly. In Thailand the standard store size is 200m 2 .