Boots has seen its second-quarter sales rise 5.9% – on top of a 16% increase in the same quarter the prior year – thanks to strong online trading and an “excellent” Christmas.
In the three months to 29 February, footfall at the health and beauty giant was up both in-store and online as it claimed to have grown its market share for the 12th consecutive quarter.
Online sales via its website and app rose 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 its flagship shopping centre and travel stores, while its airport shops delivered double-digit growth year-on-year.
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The business added that customers continue to respond well to its “focus on value” with Boots Price Advantage driving an increase in sign-ups to the Advantage Card, with one million new members joining in the past year.
Boots UK & ROI chief executive Sebastian James 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.”
Back in December, Boots opened its first standalone beauty store London’s Battersea Power Station as it added more new beauty brands to its offering.
Some 19 new beauty brands launched in the quarter with Skincare brand Bubble “landing exceptionally well”, selling one product per minute at launch.
Other popular brands included Sol De Janeiro, Drunk Elephant and Boots owned No7, which had a strong quarter with sales up 15%.
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