Boots Opticians reports sales loss but remains positive for 2006
Boots Opticians reported a sales downturn of 1 per cent for the final quarter of 2005, but group chief executive Richard Baker remained positive about the coming year.
A statement from Boots Opticians said that while underlying market conditions remain tough, there are encouraging signs that the actions being taken in filling managerial vacancies, increasing marketing and improving patient recall practices are driving improved performance.
Like for like sales for the whole group were better than expected with losses of 0.7 per cent compared to an anticipated 1.4 per cent slide.
‘Although the ongoing retail environment remains tough and we see no signs of this easing in the short term, we are encouraged by our performance and by the long term opportunities developing in our key markets,’ said Baker.
‘In a very active period for the group, it is pleasing that the core business has remained positive and made good progress.’