A Boots in Oldham has addressed rumours that it is closing down as customers claim the shop's shelves are 'empty'.

The store manager of Boots on Market Street, Shaw, issued a public notice via the Facebook page I Love Shaw to state the shop "is not closing" as staff were reportedly being asked "daily" by customers.

The rumour appears to have spread due to shoppers claiming they have walked out of the Boots empty-handed recently due to "no stock on the shelves" and thought this meant the shop was closing. 

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The post on I Love Shaw read: "Hello. Please can I post to make everyone that Boots, Shaw is not closing.

"We are getting asked daily if our shop is closing and I know a lot of our customers are part of this group.

"Also, could I take the opportunity to promote our seasonal flu vaccination. Our diaries are open and patients can book I now to protect themselves for the winter.

"Thanks. Lisa. Store Manager of Boots."

Several commenters in response suggested the shop has a stocking problem due to shoplifters clearing the shelves "daily".

A customer said it was such a frequent problem that "there's not much point in them restocking" while another claimed one particular shoplifter had been seen walking in and grabbing "armfuls of stuff while hurling abuse at the staff".

A woman who goes to Boots to buy baby items said she has been forced to shop elsewhere in recent weeks due to stock "constantly getting stolen".

She continued: "It's a shame to see it like it is now and so many people have stopped going.

"We don't want to lose yet another business in Shaw because of this."

Another pointed out it would be "more cost-effective" to employ security staff to deal with thieves and keep the stock safe due to the amount of items being taken.

Lisa Navesey, of the Shaw and Crompton Independents campaign group, also said she had spoken to shopkeepers in the area and found police presence is needed "as a matter of urgency".

A letter addressed to district police from the Shaw and Crompton Independents urges the force to ramp up security in the area, which reads: "Shoplifting has reached epidemic levels with organised shoplifters acting with impunity.

"Not only is this having a detrimental impact on businesses and the town in general, it is also having a negative impact on shopworkers' health and wellbeing with many working in fear of attack and personal injury."

Both Boots and Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment on the issue. 

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