Boots' glazing shake-up

Boots has started a glazing trial with Hoya which could lead to the closure of its 28 Regional Glazing Centres and the loss of up to 160 jobs.

According to sources within Boots' glazing labs the trial will be conducted among 28 stores. One outlet from each of the Boots 28 RGC areas will electronically order product from Hoya in Wrexham for the next four weeks.

If successful, Hoya will be responsible for the supply of all frames, lenses, cloths and cases from stock, providing a one-stop-shop for Boots practices 'at the click of a button'.

Glazing staff are understood to be shocked by the news but resigned to the fact that the switch of all glazing work to Hoya will be made. Some have been angered by the 'trial', claiming a test of one in 10 stores for a four-week period was a sop and that the switch was a fait accompli.

Hoya Lens UK's managing director Steve Ellis confirmed that the trial would be starting soon but it was too early to make any comment on the detail.

A Boots spokeswoman said it was always looking for ways to improve its services to customers and the review of its glazing process was part of this.