Boots, a popular health and beauty retailer in the United Kingdom, is known for its wide range of cosmetics, skincare products, and pharmaceuticals. However, for shoppers in the United States, there’s an important limitation to note: Boots does not offer shipping to the US.
Thankfully, there is a solution that works in many cases.
- Shop at Boots.com
- Get a UK shipping address from a package forwarder, such as Forward2me.com, and then have them ‘forward’ your order onto your address in the USA.
As mentioned, this may not work with all products. While you should have no problems ordering cosmetics and skincare products from Boots, it may not be possible to ship other items, such as pharmaceuticals, via a package forwarding company.
How it Works
Shopping at Boots.com and using Forward2me.com to facilitate delivery to the United States is a practical solution for US residents interested in Boots’ UK-exclusive health and beauty products. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate this process:
- Register with Forward2me: Start by creating an account on Forward2me.com. Once you sign up, you’ll be provided with a UK address. This address will be used to receive your purchases from Boots.
- Shop on Boots.com: Go to Boots.com and explore their wide range of products. When you find what you need, proceed to checkout. Use the UK address given to you by Forward2me as your delivery address on the Boots website.
- Inform Forward2me of Your Order: It’s a good idea to let Forward2me know to expect a package on your behalf. This can often be done through your account dashboard on the Forward2me website.
- Package Arrives at Forward2me: Once your order from Boots is delivered to the Forward2me warehouse in the UK, they will notify you. You can then log into your Forward2me account to manage the shipment of your package.
- Choose Shipping to the US: Forward2me will offer different shipping options to the US, including varying delivery speeds and carriers. Choose the option that best suits your budget and timeline. The cost will be calculated based on the package’s size and weight.
- Payment for Forwarding Services: Pay the required fee for international shipping, which Forward2me will calculate. This payment may also include additional services, like package consolidation or insurance, if you choose them.
- Customs and Duties: Forward2me handles the customs paperwork, but you, as the recipient, will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes levied by US authorities.
- Track Your Package: After dispatching your package, Forward2me will provide a tracking number, allowing you to monitor its journey to the US.
- Receive Your Items: Finally, your Boots order will arrive at your US address, completing the process.
It’s important to remember that while package forwarding services like Forward2me offer a way to access international retailers like Boots, they also involve additional costs, including shipping, handling fees, and potential customs duties. Additionally, delivery times may be longer than direct domestic purchases. Always weigh these factors against the desire to access specific products not available in the US.
Alternatives
For those in the United States seeking alternatives to Boots for popular products like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, there are several US-based retailers that offer a comparable range of products. Here’s a list of notable alternatives:
- CVS Pharmacy: A leading retail pharmacy chain in the US, CVS offers a wide range of pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter medications, and a variety of beauty and personal care items. Their extensive selection is comparable to what you’d find at Boots.
- Walgreens: Another major pharmacy chain, Walgreens provides a comprehensive array of health and wellness products, including prescription medications, beauty products, and everyday health essentials, similar to Boots’ offerings.
- Ulta Beauty: Specializing in cosmetics and skincare, Ulta Beauty is a premier destination for makeup, skincare, fragrance, and hair care products. They offer an extensive selection of both affordable and high-end brands.
- Sephora: Known for its vast range of beauty products, Sephora is a go-to for cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. With a mix of luxury and niche brands, Sephora is akin to Boots in providing a wide selection of beauty products.
- Rite Aid: This pharmacy chain offers a variety of health and wellness products, including over-the-counter medications, personal care items, and a selection of beauty products, similar to what’s available at Boots.
- Target: With its dedicated beauty sections and pharmacy services, Target is a great one-stop shop for both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, offering a range of products that cater to different needs and preferences.
- Walmart: Known for its affordability, Walmart’s pharmacy section provides a broad spectrum of over-the-counter and prescription medications, while their beauty section covers a wide range of cosmetics and skincare products.
Each of these retailers provides a unique shopping experience, with a product range that caters to various needs in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, making them excellent alternatives to Boots for US consumers.