EXCLUSIVE Cheltenham Waitrose gets third different pharmacy in less than a year Badhams
Summary
The regular change in companies running a supermarket pharmacy in Cheltenham has finally ended. That is according to Badham Pharmacy, the Bishop’s Cleeve-based chain which has taken over the unit inside the entrance to Waitrose in Honeybourne Way. The retail space has had a troubled time recently, with Badham Pharmacy becoming the third company in less than a year to run it.
Details
As exclusively revealed by Punchline-Gloucester.com in September last year, Jhoots suddenly stopped trading there. It came as the General Pharmaceutical Council, the regulator for pharmacists and pharmacies in Britain, said it had taken enforcement action against Jhoots and was investigating some of the national chain’s workers.
There was then a lengthy period late last year and most of this year when the unit remained empty. Allied Pharmacies then briefly took over, before Badham Pharmacy stepped in to take control of the site this month. Add to that the fact that Lloyds ran the pharmacy until late 2023, before Jhoots took it over, and it means four companies have traded from the site in less than three years.
But it now seems that the musical chairs-style activity at the site has finally come to an end. Stephen Ireland, Badham Pharmacy Ltd’s operational and marketing manager , said: “I’m pleased to confirm this will be the last change of owner for the pharmacy at Cheltenham Waitrose!
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“We have purchased the pharmacy from Allied, who took many of the Jhoots branches out of pre-packed administration earlier this year.” A sign in the window of the shop informs customers that improvements and new services are on the way. Badham’s latest acquisition means the family-owned company now has 29 pharmacies.
All but one of them are in Gloucestershire, with the one outside of the county being in Knowle, Bristol. A Waitrose spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to welcome a new pharmacy, which is an invaluable service for the local community.
“We’re always looking for ways to make shopping more convenient for our customers, who can now get their healthcare, wellness essentials and friendly advice while visiting us for the food they love.”
Report source: Punchline Gloucester