Boots’ sales exceed pre-pandemic levels
Boots has posted strong fourth quarter results after sales exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
The health and beauty retailer’s like-for-like retail sales increased by 15.2% year-on-year in the three months to end August following a recovery in store transactions as customers returned to city centres, airports and train stations. It also benefited from good performances in the beauty, health and personal care categories.
Meanwhile Boots’ retail healthcare sales climbed by nearly 14% after trade was driven by continued investment in own label healthcare ranges.
However, fourth quarter pharmacy sales were down 6.9% year-on-year due to strong prior year comparatives.
Boots said its performance significantly contributed to a 65% increase in full year adjusted operating income for WBA International.
Sebastian James, managing director of Boots UK & ROI, added: “This is a really encouraging set of results. I am especially happy to see more and more customers choosing Boots over others and our market share rising as a result.
“In addition, I am pleased with the progress we are making in quickly introducing new, trending beauty brands, our healthcare services supporting the NHS and, of course, with our boots.com offer which is now double its pre-pandemic levels.”
