Beauty product sales give Boots a boost

High street giant Alliance Boots yesterday said strong sales of make-up and anti-wrinkle creams helped it grow share in its core health and beauty arm.

The privately owned firm reported a 2 per cent rise in revenues in health and beauty in the six months to 30 September to 3.4 billion, boosted by its self-selection cosmetics and No7 Protect & Perfect ranges.

The group, which runs some 3,250 stores in ten countries, said its tie-ups with Waitrose and childrenswear store Mothercare also meant overall revenues improved by 6 per cent to 8.9bn.

Chief executive Andy Hornby said strong cash flow and lower interest rates had eased net borrowings. "We are pleased with the way the group has performed given challenging trading conditions across Europe."