Boots has reported second quarter results with retail sales up 16 per cent year-on-year to deliver an eighth consecutive quarter of market share growth.

The business recorded a strong Christmas trading period, outperforming the market with retail sales up 17.4 per cent in the five weeks to 31 December 2022.

Beauty was the standout performer in the period – delivering a record January and accounting for 48 per cent of sales on Boots.com. Over 1,000 new beauty lines have been introduced so far this year from over 100 brands.

Digital sales increased by 17 per cent, and the Boots App now represents 25 per cent of digital sales.

Pharmacy sales were up 2 per cent over the quarter “despite a challenging sector backdrop”. On average 3.7 million items were dispensed per week across its 2,200 plus stores.

Boots says it has doubled the healthcare services it provides over the past e years to 125. This includes 15 women’s healthcare services such as Boots Online Doctor Menopause and HRT Treatment.

The company recorded the biggest ever sales week on OTC and cough and cold medicines in December. In Q2 sales of cough and cold treatments were up 84 per cent year on year.

Over 1.62 million flu vaccinations were administered over the winter season, with over 175,000 in Q2.