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The news that Boots is suffering from a decline in like for like sales is not surprising. As a former Saturday assistant at Boots it holds a very dear place in my heart and was the start of my retail journey. Back in 1985 Boots had jewellery counters, a cook shop and of course a record department. No Saturday would be complete for any teenage girl than a visit to the No 17. cosmetics counter.

Of course much has changed since then - not least the ownership of Boots. Since the takeover by Stefano Pessini and the later merger with Walgreens, Boots has gone from a stalwart of the British high street to become part of a global retail bemouth and the retail landscape has transformed, whilst its core shopper has changed how and where she shops.

A world of choice has arrived in health and beauty - from core health and beauty brands expansion into retailers like Poundland and B&M at one end of the spectrum, to subscription services like Birchbox and Glossier at the other - and the shopper has a real array of riches and choices in front of her when she’s looking to buy. And health and beauty is fun - really good fun. We are prepared even when times are tough to spend big on lippy, skin cream and mascara and we won’t scrimp on making sure we look good. The problem is Boots isn’t as much fun as it used to be.

Sure, stores look good, they're starting to introduce more exciting brands, the advantage card is embedded in the shopping experience and could be driving loyalty - plus the service experience for health can’t be beaten but......

There aren’t enough staff in the stores - trying to find an assistant or a manned checkout is difficult and (I know I’m biased) Boots staff help make the experience. Going to Boots should always make you leave with a smile on your face but it’s become a bit sterile and lacking engagement.

There are so many opportunities to win at Boots - with a great supplier base who have the opportunity to create excitement instore, an engaged work force, some of the best retail real estate in the UK (close to and easily accessible to the population), a great source of data in the advantage card and the nations great affection and love for the Boots brand. The Boots business also have some smart ideas - the sponsorship announced yesterday with the Football Association could be brilliant if it’s allowed to really come to life instore and out.

I really hope that Sebastian James gets under the skin of the Boots brand and its people - they are what good British retailing is all about. And whilst it looks like store closures are on the cards he needs to invest in his core store estate and in people that will make the shopping experience really exciting again.