Boots - For all weather, for all occasions but especially for Advantage Points (Boots Stores)

Member Name: Silverwillow

Product:	Boots Stores
Date:	29/01/09 (36 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic Range of Products, High Quality, Helpful Staff, Great Offers, Advantage Points

Disadvantages: More Costly Than Other Similar Stores

Boots are like Tescos. Everyone knows where one is and everyone knows what they do. So my review will be a bit more generalised rather than detailing what they stock and giving you a full history.

From the moment you walk into the store, you know that this is more upmarket than the other shops that sell the same sort of things. The staff wear crisp, clean uniforms and the shop is laid out to make the most of the space available without making it feel cramped. There are large signs and store guides which detail where everything is. It makes it much easier to get in, get what you want and then back out when you are in a rush.

Boots are renowned for their cosmetics and in particular their own brand called No.7. They sell a variety of more expensive brand names (Estee Lauder, Clarins) but also more recession-friendly brands (Miss Sporty, Maybelline). The best part is that when you buy that eye shadow as a wee treat for yourself, you'll get points which soon add up and can be used towards pretty much anything in the store (look for the * on the shelf price tag).

No.7 offers a variety of makeup and skincare products, most are suitable for those of us with sensitive skin. Having been once considered for 'the more mature' amongst us, No.7 seems to be speedily gaining popularity with a large range of high quality products.

I tend to buy most of my makeup from Boots because of the staff. I'm very pale skinned and have very sensitive skin, throw in a serious lack of knowledge about colours to use, how to use certain products and well I'm useless in a make up aisle. Cue helpful staff member, I explain what I'm needing with lots of 'ehhhm's and pointing, they recommend what to use and how to use it. I'd like to point out that they have a fantastic knowledge of most ranges not just their own No.7 brand.

They also stock a large number of different fragrances and allow you to test the scents (not something a lot of stores do anymore). Although they may be slightly higher priced than elsewhere, you're paying for much more than the perfume. I have to laugh when such days as Valentines and Mothers Day arrive as the queues of men line up to take advantage of the knowledgeable staff and gift wrap services.

If you're smart about your shopping in Boots, you can save a fortune. ALWAYS have your advantage card or ask them to include them on your receipt so you can validate them within the next 28 days to add them to your account. Stock up on the items you use regularly when they are on offer, Boots are always running 'BOGOF' and '3 for 2's. If you buy No.7 products and qualify for the free gifts, keep the gifts for Christmas/Birthday presents. Also check the in-store advantage card machines, there might just be an offer that hasn't been well advertised relating to what you need.

The Boots Advantage Card is free of charge and you can apply by post or online. Points are gained by making purchases and providing your card at the till. You will get 4 points for every £1 you spend. Once you have sufficient points you can exchange these points for a product or few. 100 points on your card is the equivalent of £1 when spending. Every time you use your card when buying, you will see on the receipt that it shows how many points were earned that transaction and what your new total is. You can even earn points if you buy your glasses from a Boots Opticians.

Boots is normally where I start my Christmas shopping (and I keep the vouchers and points for me). With a wide and varied range of '3 for 2' gifts you are bound to find something for everyone. Last year Nana got a massage pack and Papa got a whisky set which shows how random and varied those gift choices can be. One shop, one hour, 14 presents bought...that's my kind of shopping. Even better is that now with Boots.com I don't even have to step foot in the shop, I can have it all delivered to my house and still earn the advantage points.

The photo-developing department is one which I've used lots. The new additions to their services such as mouse mats, cups and calendars adds more choice for those special gifts. Any photo's that I've had developed here have been of fantastic quality and they qualify for yet more advantage points. Again keep an eye out for discount vouchers or vouchers for extra points.

The only negative I have found about Boots is the pharmacy. The staff, although very helpful and cheerful, need to learn that when there is a queue I do not appreciate being quizzed about the feminine products I wish to purchase, particularly when my former head teacher is behind me. They should take the initiative and if there is a queue to ask these questions either much quieter than that staff member did or invite me to the wee room at the side specifically for such occasions.

In conclusion, Boots is a fantastic store with helpful staff and a fantastic loyalty points system. Although it can be slightly more expensive than other stores that stock the same sort of products as long as you shop 'smartly' you will find it not only more affordable but of higher quality.

Summary: My Christmas one stop shop! With advantage points!