Chemist shops: Professionals behind the counter

Two major factors distinguish the pharmacy trade in this country: the increasing conflict between the professionally‐trained pharmacists and the merchandising wizards of the multiples and supermarket groups, intent on developing their business in OTC lines; and the huge preponderance of one single organisation ‐ Boots, with over 1,000 branches and over £488m. turn‐over. Independent pharmacies are closing at the rate of about 200–250 a year; the Care voluntary group numbers less than half the independents amongst its members.