High street giant Boots today beat market expectations with a 4.1 per cent rise in like-for-like sales over the Christmas season.
The health and beauty chain said it had learned lessons from last year by increasing its range of beauty products and fragrances while offering more promotions on "big ticket" items.
Its festive performance marked the sixth consecutive quarter that its core Boots The Chemist chain delivered good sales growth. Total sales growth, including new store openings, was 5.2 per cent in the three months to December 31st.
The trading update comes a day after the group announced it would cut 900 jobs - mainly at its Nottingham head office - as part of cost-cutting plans.
Chief executive Mr Richard Baker, who took the helm in September, said: "The actions we have undertaken over the last few days underline our determination to build a modern, efficient and competitive Boots The Chemists."