Boots says it's disappointed with its overall quarterly trading figures.
However, it says it's encouraged by the performance of its health and beauty range.
Boots the Chemists' third-quarter sales were up 2.7 per cent, or 2.2 per cent on a like-for-like basis.
Total retail sales were up 3.6 per cent, or 2.4 per cent when the effects of store openings and closures is stripped out.
Sales in the health and beauty categories increased by 6 per cent, or 4.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis.
This was driven by strong sales of Boots brand and gift merchandise.
Photo sales were down 9 per cent, reflecting the increased use of digital cameras, while sales of leisure merchandise fell by 30 per cent as Boots pulls out from this area.
Sales increased by 7 per cent at Boots Opticians, benefiting from strong demand for laser eye surgery.
Chief executive Mr Steve Russell says: "There are encouraging sales increases in a number of areas, most notably in our vital Health and Beauty categories.
"However, the overall result is not at a level with which we can be satisfied. All parts of the company are making progress on our strategic programmes to accelerate the rate of growth."
PA