17/01/2002

Boots report ‘slower than expected’ retail activity

High street retailer Boots has announced slower than expected trading figures for the Christmas period despite encouraging sales in some of the company’s divisions.

While activity in Boots Opticians units rose by 7 per cent – thanks to growing interest in laser surgery – the firm’s pharmacy divisions reported a drop of 9 per cent, due to the increasing popularity of digital cameras, which need no chemical processing.

Overall, Boots reported an increase in sales of 2.4 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2001.

Boots has recently expanded its operations into a range of spin-offs which include chiropody units, in-store nail bars, and health clubs. The company has also teamed up with supermarket retailers J Sainsbury in a scheme which could see the opening of Boots retail units within Sainsbury’s stores. (CL)

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