Boots franchise to open in South Korea

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and Emart Company Ltd. are launching the first Boots franchise partnership in South Korea. 

The pharmacy, health and beauty stores are scheduled to open in 2017.

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

The Boots-branded franchises will be located in shopping malls, Shinsegae department stores and Emart hypermarkets. Each store will include a pharmacy, a variety of Boots owned and exclusive to Boots products, such as No7 and Soap & Glory products, and popular Korean brands.

“South Korea is considered a leading market for skincare and cosmetics products in Asia today," Walgreens Boots Alliance Co-Chief Operating Officer Ornella Barra said. "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. 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.”