Boots owner sees Q4 sales surge 12% to $34bn
It revealed Boots is one of the UK’s ‘leading’ Covid-19 test providers with more than 3.7 million Covid-19 tests administered to date
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), the owner of Boots, has seen its sales for the Q4 period ending 31 August 2021 increase 12.8% to $34.3bn (£25bn).
The UK high street brand itself saw comparable pharmacy sales increase 11.4% compared with the year-ago quarter, which it said reflected “stronger demand” for pharmacy services, notably Covid-19 tests.
It revealed Boots is one of the UK’s “leading” Covid-19 test providers with more than 3.7 million Covid-19 tests administered to date, the majority in partnership with the National Health Service (NHS).
In addition, Boots UK comparable retail sales increased 15% compared with the year-ago quarter as the retailer said it saw footfall on the high street recovered as lockdown measures were removed, although still remaining below pre pandemic levels.
Boots.com also “continued to perform ahead of expectations”, with digital sales in the fourth quarter more than doubling compared with pre-Covid levels.
Overall WBA’s International segment, of which Boots Uk is included, reported fourth quarter sales of $5.5bn (£4bn), an increase of 61.8% YOY.
WBA CEO, Roz Brewer, said: “Our fourth quarter and fiscal year results exceeded expectations, driven by strong performance in our core business. Comparable U.S. pharmacy and retail sales both saw robust growth and recovery continued in our UK business as Covid-19 restrictions eased in the quarter.
“I remain extremely proud of our team members’ unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of our patients, customers and communities. The role of the pharmacist and local pharmacy is now more vital than ever.”
