Walgreens Boots Alliance has signed a franchise deal for its Boots pharmacy chain with South Korean hypermarket group Emart Company, a member of Shinsegae Group.

The British high-street stalwart will be launched across Korean shopping malls, on high streets and within the outbound areas of Emart’s own hypermarkets and Shinsegae’s department stores. Stores will carry a pharmacy and Boot’s popular private label ranges No7 and Soap & Glory, as well as leading Korean brands. The first stores are expected to open in the first half of 2017.

“South Korea is considered a leading market for skin care and cosmetics products in Asia today. We believe there is a significant opportunity to extend the reach of Boots own brands into this market and are thrilled to be doing so with Emart,” said Ornella Barra Co-Chief Operating Officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Emart is the preeminent retailer in South Korea and their strong experience as well as their marketing expertise gives us great confidence in the long-term potential of this partnership.”

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the Boots brand, and offer pharmacy care as well as acting as a beauty and healthcare destination by also offering a wide range of both Korean and Boots product brands,” added Gab-Soo, Lee, CEO of Emart Inc.