Boots UK executives have welcomed a “strong quarter” for the company marked by rising market share and increased use of healthcare services by the public.

The company’s report on the three months to May 31 reveal that retail sales were up six per cent on the same period last year, with rising footfall in flagship stores and dedicated beauty hall stores and airport stores performing “particularly well”.

Citing “strong demand” for cough and cold products as well as vitamins and supplements, Boots also said that online sales were up 13.8 per cent year-on-year, party driven by more customers using the Boots app to purchase products. Travel services and vaccinations have been popular in the lead up to the summer holiday season, it said, while two new skin care services also launched during the quarter.

Meanwhile, pharmacy sales rose by 5.8 per cent year-on-year, which the company attributed to increased take up of the 160 health services it now offers. 

The company added that the Boots network has completed an average of over 20,000 Pharmacy First consultations per month since the service launched at the end of January. 

A comparison between a snapshot company report published today and one published in January shows that around 200 Boots pharmacies have been closed in the last six months, with the store estate currently standing at roughly 1,900. However, the number of pharmacists and support staff employed by the company has held steady at around 17,200.  

Boots UK CEO Sebastian James said: “This is another set of consistently strong results for Boots. I am pleased to see our positive momentum continue across the whole business, with both retail and healthcare increasing sales and a thirteenth quarter of consecutive market share growth.

“We continue to focus on making exciting new brands and services accessible while focusing on value and rewarding loyalty. 

“We are committed to delivering a fantastic experience for customers however they shop with us. 

“I would like to thank our incredible team members for their continued hard work and ongoing commitment to deliver for our customers every day.”