Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA, ETR:W8A)’s UK division, Boots, enjoyed a 3% rise in sales over the three months to February.
This was as in-store sales climbed 4.5%, while digital sales jumped 16.8%, including on Boots’ website and app.
The retailer’s skincare division saw particularly strong demand meanwhile, with sales up 15%.
“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,” Boots UK boss Sebastian James said.
This came as the firm’s parent, which includes the US wing and other international businesses, posted expectation-beating sales, but a US$5.9 billion net loss.
"Walgreens is currently in the middle of a major cost-cutting phase [...] while it attempts to pivot from a pharmacy and retail chain to a healthcare provider," eToro analysts said, adding: "A surge in sales in its healthcare segment suggests the wheels are moving in the right direction."