Boots has reported its 12th consecutive quarter of retail market share growth after a strong Q2 2024.
Sales increased by 6.3% to $37.1bn, driven by a bumper Christmas trading period and increased in-store footfall over the past three months.
Digital sales were also up 16.8%, which the health and beauty retailer said was supported by increased purchases of beauty and personal care products.
Skin care in particular saw strong demand, with Sol De Janeiro, Drunk Elephant, Byoma and Bubble highlighted as standout performers.
Boots’ own-brand No7 also experienced a strong quarter, 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,” said Sebastian James, Boots UK & ROI CEO.
Boots opened its dedicated beauty store in London’s Battersea Power Station in December 2023.
The retailer said the store’s launch, along with upgrades to a number of Boots beauty halls across the UK, contributed to the overall beauty sales jump.
In-store sales were up 4.5% in Q2 as a result, with flagship, shopping centre and travel stores performing particularly well.
The positive quarter builds on the retailer’s strong Q1, which benefited from a “record-breaking” Black Friday and increased consumer demand for luxury hair care.
Retail sales soared by 9.8%, on top of an 8.7% increase in the prior year.
Boots has also recently ordered staff to return to the office five days a week, which take effect from 1 September 2024.
Employees at the UK health and beauty retailer’s London, Nottingham and Weybridge headquarters were reportedly sent an email this week informing them of the home-working crackdown.
It is a reversal of Boots’ current policy – implemented after the Covid-19 outbreak – which encourages staff to attend the office three days per week.