Boots’ second quarter boosted by “excellent” Christmas and strong online growth
Boots has reported that its second-quarter sales have risen by 5.9% following an “excellent” Christmas and strong online trading.
In the three months to 29 February, footfall was up both in-store and online as the retailer continued to grow its market share.
Online sales at Boots.com and on the Boots app climbed by 16.8% in the period, with trade driven by buoyant sales of beauty and personal care products.
Meanwhile, in-store sales increased by 4.5% following particularly strong performances at the retailer’s flagship shopping centre and travel stores. Airport shops delivered double-digit growth year-on-year.
Boots opened a beauty-only store in London’s Battersea Power Station in December while also adding more new beauty brands to its offering. Some 19 new beauty brands were launched in the quarter with Bubble landing exceptionally well. Other popular brands included Sol De Janeiro, Drunk Elephant, Byoma and Boots owned No7.
The retailer said customers have continued to respond well to its Boots Price Advantage and that one million new members have joined in the past year.
Sebastian James, Boots UK & ROI chief executive, said: “I am really pleased to see our positive momentum continue across the whole business, with more people shopping with us both online and in store, and strong gains in both our key markets of healthcare and beauty.”
