Health sales were up 5.0%
Dispensing sales were up 6.1%. Items growth was broadly in line with market growth, the first time that Boots The Chemists has held share in this important market for some years. This shows the initial benefit of investment in systems and pharmacies and greater focus in the business.
Over The Counter healthcare grew slightly ahead of the market with good performances in Vitamins and new products.
In Beauty and Toiletries, sales increased by 2.9% in total. We continue to enjoy strong growth in Beauty with investment in our beauty halls and successful seasonal events contributing to further gains in market share. Toiletries growth was more modest but we succeeded in holding share in a market that remains very competitive.
Lifestyle sales increased by 3.7%. Baby sales were helped by 172 improved specialist departments containing 1,300 new products.
Food sales were up 5.2% aided by the launch of the Delicious range, the relaunch of Shapers and improved meal deal offers.
In Photo, we continue to see a near threefold increase in digital processing and share gains in traditional processing although the market remains in decline.
