Boots stores in Gwynedd and Ceredigion are likely to be safe from the axe despite the company’s owners warning that costs need to be cut.

More than 200 Boots stores across the UK could be closed by American owners Walgreens Boots Alliance – but the vast majority of stores set to be put under review for possible closure will be in towns and areas where Boots has more than one store.

That means that the Boots store in Dolgellau could be saved from review.

While Aberystwyth has two stores with Boots branding, one Boots on Terrace Road and one Boots Opticians on Great Darkgate Street, it is understood opticians stores are not under review.

The review of the company’s least profitable stores is set to take place over the next 12 to 18 months.

Boots said it did not have “a major programme envisaged” but was always reviewing “underperforming stores and opportunities for consolidation”.

“We are being realistic about the future and that we will need to be agile to adapt to the changing landscape,” the company added.

The chain has 2,485 stores across the UK, employing about 56,000 staff.

In April, Walgreens said it would take “decisive steps” to reduce costs as part of a company-wide “significant restructuring”.

Shop workers’ trade union Usdaw said it will work on behalf of affected staff when the stores under threat become known and has called for urgent talks with the owners.

Daniel Adams, Usdaw national officer, said: “As the high street crisis continues to blight town centres, news of another retailer considering store closures is unfortunately becoming all too familiar.

“It is a distressing time for staff, who will all be worried it is their store that is under review and therefore their job that is at risk.

“Boots staff deserve a seat at the table where the future of their jobs will be decided.”