Boots’ strong digital performance fuelled growth in the past quarter, with retail sales up 6.2% in the three months to 31 August, according to a latest trading update.
It was Boots’ 14th consecutive quarter of market share growth, with gains across all main categories.
Digital sales were particularly strong, with the channel now making up 15% of Boots’ overall sales after a rise of 19% year on year.
The Boots app has also grown to its highest-ever level with 7.5 million active users. It now contributes 40% of all digital sales.
Boots launched more than 55 new beauty brands last year, helping boost the category’s sales by 6% in the quarter. The retailer also highlighted “notable growth” in its own label suntan lotion, Soltan, which saw sales rise over 20%.
Increased demand for both NHS and private healthcare services propelled pharmacy growth of 10% year on year, contributing to a 4.9% increase for the full year.
The results come as MD Seb James prepares to step down in November. He will be replaced by retail and operations director Anthony Hemmerdinger.
Speaking after the results, James said Boots was “seeing positive momentum across the whole business, with healthcare now performing strongly alongside our innovative beauty business”.
“We’re laser-focused on preparations for our peak trading period, with our Christmas gifting range landing in stores and Black Friday just around the corner.
“As I prepare to hand the leadership baton over to Anthony, I am confident that I am leaving the business in a very solid position, well set up to continue delivering on its exciting transformation.
“It has been a privilege to lead this business over the last six years and I’m incredibly proud of our team members for everything they do to make Boots as relevant today as it was 175 years ago.”
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