Boots Opticians is one of the UK’s leading optical businesses, with 538 stores nationwide, including 373 core-owned outlets and 165 franchise locations. Following the 2009 merger with Dolland & Aitchison, the company successfully navigated the complex integration of overlapping stores while embedding a culture centred on collaboration and growth. This challenging period laid the foundation for a franchise strategy that has become a core part of the business.
Previously, the franchise side of Boots Opticians operated discreetly, but it is now fully embraced as a key element of talent development and business growth. The senior leadership team manages both core and franchise operations as a unified function, ensuring franchise performance and opportunities are openly discussed at business conferences and performance reviews.
Franchisees benefit from the Boots Franchise Academy, a platform allowing colleagues from across the business to gain hands-on experience in franchise operations. The program has generated significant interest, prompting the company to scale it up to provide broader development opportunities and ensure talent retention.
Comprehensive support underpins the franchise network, combining shared services such as marketing, supply, and professional services with a dedicated franchise support team. Recent restructuring has increased headcount and field-based support, with regional managers adopting strategic roles focused on portfolio growth and new opportunities for expansion.
Boots Opticians’ approach to franchising is further strengthened through active engagement with the British Franchise Association (BFA). Membership allows the company to continually learn from industry best practices, network with peers, and refine its support model for franchise partners.
This commitment to strategic growth, robust franchise support, and talent development has positioned Boots Opticians as a finalist for Franchisor of the Year – Established at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2025, reflecting its role as a trusted and innovative leader in UK optical franchising.
Watch their Best in Franchising video for 2025 to find out more.
