Boots benefits from strong post pandemic bounce back and transformation success
Boots has posted strong growth in its third quarter with Boots UK comparable retail sales up 24% as the company reaped the benefits of its ongoing transformation programme.
The three months to 31 May saw the health and beauty retailer more than double its online sales compared to pre-Covid levels, with digital now representing more than 13% of retail sales.
In addition, store footfall increased by 45% year-on-year, with flagships stores and travel locations performing particularly well.
Boots said its strategic focus on beauty, healthcare and digital continues to deliver strong results.
Sebastian James, managing director of Boots UK & ROI, said: “The execution of our transformation programme and a sharp focus on expanding our key categories of healthcare and beauty, has driven strong sales and market share growth and further strengthened our position as the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer. Significant investment in both our digital platforms and in our stores is expected to drive continued market leading growth.
Boots said comparable pharmacy sales were broadly flat in the period due to tough comparatives. However, pharmacy services sales were up 22%, despite lower Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, as more customers accessed new online healthcare services.
James added: “As store footfall returns to pre-pandemic levels and with cost of living pressures increasing, the launch of our Price Advantage scheme, the expansion of our own label product range and our commitment to freeze prices on 1,500 essential products have been particularly well received by customers.”
