Following today’s release of Boots’ figures for the three months ending 31 May 2025; Tash Van Boxel, retail analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view: “Boots’ focus on refreshing its offer and use of initiatives to extend its market reach has resulted in a robust set of results this quarter, as its retail and pharmacy arms experienced strong growth in the period (comparable constant currency sales up 6.0% and 5.4%, respectively). Offline sales contribute more than online to Boots’ total revenue, but its online platform continues to excel, now making up 17.0% of total retail sales as Boots.com grew 18.7% year-on-year this quarter. The recent launch of the AI SmartSkin Checker, which helps identify and advise on over 70 skin conditions, is available through Boots’ Online Doctor and has helped bolster online traffic. Consumers opt for this fast and free skin diagnosis and are more likely to purchase recommended products directly via the app afterwards.
“The health & beauty market leader’s focus this quarter has been on ‘wellness’, with its Beauty Box launching in May in partnership with Women’s Health. Boots has expanded its wellness ranges, with 18 third-party brands launching in the lead up to Global Wellness Day, including TikTok favourites, Humantra and Selfish. Almost three quarters of consumers (71.5%) say they are more concerned with their health and wellbeing this year compared with last, according to GlobalData’s June 2025 monthly survey. With Boots’ new brand launches, Boots is successfully responding to consumers’ changing health & beauty shopping behaviour.
“The pharmacy division also experienced healthy growth this quarter, with sales up 5.4%. Boots is catering to increased demand from consumers who are encouraged to take a ‘pharmacy-first’ approach with medical issues to alleviate pressure on GPs. Boots has rolled out dermatology training to 200 of its pharmacy branches, with the aim of extending this training to more locations; this will appeal to consumers who prefer in-person advice over Boots’ AI checker. Boots is also offering a Free Health MOT, promoted to those over 40, which is a 15-minute appointment that includes a blood pressure check and healthy living advice. These initiatives support footfall to its pharmacies, increasing the chance of impulse purchases and ensuring the profitability of its remaining branches, having shuttered unprofitable branches throughout 2024.”
