Boots has continued to defy high street challenges with a 5% rise in total sales for the three months to the end of May, marking its 17th consecutive quarter of market share growth.

The health and beauty giant, owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), benefited from strong demand for new beauty and wellness ranges — including popular Korean beauty (K-beauty) products — and an expanding digital offering.

Comparable retail sales grew 6% year-on-year, with pharmacy sales up 5.4%. Boots’ website also recorded a 14.8% increase in sales, now contributing 17% of the chain’s total retail revenue.

The retailer launched nine new wellness brands and introduced two proprietary lines, Modern Chemistry and Habi, appealing to younger consumers focused on beauty and wellness.

Pharmacy growth was supported by Boots’ private healthcare services, with more than 240,000 patients using its online doctor platform in the quarter to access over 45 health services.

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WBA posted a 7% rise in overall revenues to $39bn (£31.5bn), exceeding Wall Street expectations. Adjusted earnings per share beat forecasts, despite a net loss of $178m (£144m).

The US group is currently undergoing a turnaround, closing over 1,200 stores and suspending dividends to strengthen its financial position ahead of a $10bn (£8.1bn) sale to private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

Boots remains a key asset in the deal, often described as the “jewel in the crown” of Walgreens. Reports suggest Boots could be spun off or separately listed following the takeover, with its strong brand position making it an attractive prospect.

The group had attempted to sell Boots back in 2022 for an estimated £7bn but abandoned the plan, deciding that offers from firms including Apollo Global Management undervalued the retailer.

Walgreens chief executive Tim Wentworth said the latest results reflected progress in the US healthcare segment and cost-saving measures but cautioned that the retail environment remains challenging.

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