UK pharmacy and healthcare retailer Boots announced this week that it will end trials of complementary health services in its stores, after they failed to attract enough demand.
The move is part of a package of operational changes to the Boots Wellbeing Services, which also include dental care and eye care.
Cutting the complementary health services, which involved treatments such as homeopathy, herbalism and nutrition, will result in annual cost savings of around £4 million (€6.03m) after one year, said Boots. These services were available in 12 of the company's stores. Costs associated with the new arrangements and reorganisation of the dental care service will be around £4 million spread over 2002/03 and 2003/04.
Chief executive Steve Russell said: "Complementary health services would have been a small part of the Wellbeing offer but the trial did not demonstrate sufficient demand."
In the year ending 1 March 2002, Boots Wellbeing Services including Boots Opticians made a loss of £33 million on a turnover of £231 million. Boots brand vitamins and minerals is one of the UK market leaders.