UK high street chain Boots, which is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA), has reported its 10th consecutive quarter of market share growth.
Boots UK comparable pharmacy sales increased 9.9% compared with the year before, with like-for-like retail sales increasing 11.7%, boosted by growth across all categories, with footfall up 4%.
Boots.com continued to perform strongly with sales growing 28.9%, over 13% of Boots total retail sales.
Adjusted operating income increased 59.0% to US$259 million, an increase of 52.2% on a constant currency basis, reflecting gross profit growth across all markets, led by strong retail sales in the UK and pharmacy margin.
Boots said skincare sales were up nearly 25%, adding the UK’s number one skincare brand, No7, was up over 20% driven by sales of the new Future Renew range, while premium beauty continued to grow rapidly with sales up 20% for the quarter.
Seb James, managing director, Boots UK and ROI, said: "I am really encouraged to see continued strong performance as the work that we have done to expand our ranges, drive value and innovate in beauty seems to be resonating extremely well with customers."