diverted professional product

High street giant Boots has admitted selling professional haircare brands in nine of its flagship stores, despite strong opposition from the suppliers. An official statement from Boots stated: “We do stock Paul Mitchell, Redken and MOP ranges in a small number of our store so as to offer our costumers the most comprehensive range of haircare products on the high street. Buying products via other reputable suppliers is legal. However it is our preference to deal with the brand owners directly where possible. We are keen to forge a relationship with Paul Mitchell, Redken and MOP, however, so far, our attempts have not been reciprocated.”

Paul Mitchell was vociferous in its comdemnation of Boot’s decision to a third party supplier to gain diverted stock. “These products were not supplied to Boots by Salon Success”, said managing director Simon Tickler. “As a company wich only endorses the sale of our products through professional hair salons, we immediately contacted the beauty buyer at Boots, explaining that the products it is selling are from an unauthorised source and requested they remove the products from their shelves immediatly. Boots declined to co-operated.”
Said Kathleen Gillin, Redken general manager UK and Republic of Ireland: “Redken is a brand dedicated to the salon professional. genuine Redken products are guaranteed only in salons. We are currently investigating this matter.” An official statement from MOP said: “Internationally, MOP treats any stock diversion extremely seriously and is already investigating the circumstances of this issue.”