Boots said it enjoyed strong sales before Christmas as speculation over its future continues.
Although its latest update does not include December, the chemist said early signs showed the festive trading period had been ‘solid’.
Sales increased 8.1 per cent for the three months to the end of November as shoppers took advantage of Black Friday deals.
Ranges by Korean skincare brands Anua and Skin 1004 proved popular, helping beauty sales rise 11 per cent compared to last year.
Popular: Nearly two bottles of perfume were sold every second in Back Friday week, including fragrances such as a line by singer Ariana Grande (pictured)
And nearly two bottles of perfume were sold every second in Back Friday week, including fragrances popularised on social media, such as a line by singer Ariana Grande.
Anthony Hemmerdinger, who took over as Boots boss in November, said there was ‘positive momentum behind us’. But he said there were ‘heightened cost pressures’ facing the business following the Budget.
The High Street firm, which has around 1,800 shops, was one of the retailers to sign a letter last year warning Chancellor Rachel Reeves her tax hikes could result in higher prices, job losses and shop closures.
Boots’ US owner, Walgreens Boots Alliance, has reportedly been in talks to sell itself to buyout group Sycamore Partners, with a deal that could be completed early this year.
A sale is expected to result in Sycamore selling parts of the business, sparking speculation that Boots could be listed in London.
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