Boots — Attraction in London

I went to the pharmacy one week ago, looking for a medication for a rash on my neck. After a week, today,I went there after the GP prescribing me a cream. However, they told me that it’s not available and asked me to look in other pharmacies. I looked for the same medication in 4 other pharmacies and none of them had it. I could call my GP and get the prescription changed in the mean time. Then I went back to this pharmacy and I noticed the person in-front of me taking the same cream over the counter, which means another version of it was available which I could take without prescription. I mean I was there last week, and today, the pharmacist could have explained that there is this available, with the samd chemical combination. But they were too busy or whatever to help a patient. I know the UK HEALTHCARE system is bit annoying to work with. But atleast they could have been helpful, when they clearly knew that there is something that can help the me to get rid of the itchiness. Even last week, I clearly explained the what I was having. They didn’t even mention that there are these options. Very unacceptable behavior of the pharmacists in the counter. Unfortunately, this is the closest pharmacy to me and thus, where I get my...

This isn't my favourite Boots store to visit, I generally only pop in if I am in the Hale area and there is something very specific I need that I can't get in Superdrug.

Unfortunately the reason is the staff. The shop itself is mostly fine, it's reasonably well stocked, quite big and spacious and laid out well. There are no self checkouts at all, which I find odd and also means you have no choice but to interact with their staff.

The cashiers are often chatting to each other or the security staff and make you feel you are bothering them when you go to pay for your items. They never actively ask if you have a points card or if you want to buy a bag.

The security staff are also very intense. I understand they have a job to do but find their relentless staring and patrolling of the aisles to be quite uncomfortable and intimidating.

As I say, it's fine for popping in to grab something, quick in and out. But I wouldn't be able to have a relaxing browse kind of shop in here.

Maybe this is just my experience but if I need to go to Boots I much prefer to visit the Wood...

There are a couple of staff members who are cool, never any issues - always polite. However, there is one particular member of staff who, I can appreciate is trying to be friendly but she asks invasive questions. Asking people why they're buying painkillers is overstepping as it is, but to then give unsolicited advice by saying "painkillers aren't good for you babe you should stop taking them" is taking it too far. Shouldn't have to feel like we need to explain our medical history at checkout.

This has happened on multiple occasions and I've also bared witness to other incidents with other customers. I understand the need to build rapport but she talks and talks and talks past the point of necessity, probing along the way. There's a line that shouldn't be crossed, get what I mean?

There needs to be some boundaries there. I've noticed my incidents aren't isolated. A simple "hi, do you have a boots card? Would you like a bag? Hope you have a great day" - is all...