Boots' UK sales rise

Alliance Boots today said demand for its skincare ranges helped boost UK sales despite a “difficult” retail environment.

The group, which reported results for its first full year as a privately owned company, said its Boots UK health and beauty division saw like-for-like sales rise 1.3% in the year to March 31.

Alliance Boots said its own brand No7 cosmetics and skincare brand maintained its market leading position in the UK, with products like its new anti-ageing Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum proving particularly popular.

Stefano Pessina, executive chairman, said the group had continued to “perform well” since the year end.

“As a result we remain confident about our prospects for the year ahead.”