Boots sees strong third quarter sales
Core ranges performing well for health & beauty retailer
January 21 2003
The Boots The Chemists chain saw total sales grow by 8.1 per cent, and by 7.5 per cent on a like-for-like basis, in the three months to the end of December.
A strong sales performance across the company’s third quarter and right over the Christmas period saw growth in beauty and toiletries sales driven by own brand and premium cosmetics as well as fragrance.
Healthcare sales dipped due to a lower rate of cold and flu, with health product sales up 4.2 per cent in total, and 4.1 per cent like-for-like. Beauty & toiletries grew 10.9 per cent overall, and 10.3 per cent like-for-like. Seasonal sales were also strong as Boots reintroduced gift ranges such as DVDs.
The Boots chain met a target for on-shelf availability of 98 per cent for all lines.
The Boots Opticians chain saw like for like growth slow against tougher comparatives. Overall sales of Wellbeing services increased by 14.2 per cent, and 7.3 per cent like-for-like.
Chief executive Steve Russell said: “Our third quarter sales growth is the best for over 10 ears. We have built on the successful performance in the second quarter, and established a higher platform for future sales growth.
“The sales result has been achieved at the same time as significant progress on our development agenda. We have improved customer service and product service levels and have refurbished 165 stores.
“We intend to continue investment in price and increased promotions, albeit at some cost to our short term gross margin, to provide even better value to our customers and to build on the progress achieved to date.”
