Ireland continues to be Boots chemists' best performing territory, according to the company which released its annual figures for the financial year ending March 2002 this morning.
Overall group profit before tax and exceptionals increased by 9.9 per cent to £638.7 million sterling and after exceptionals by 21.0 per cent to £595.8 million.
Basic earnings per share before exceptionals increased by 9.9 per cent to 49.9p while turnover increased by 2.0 per cent to £5,332.2million.
The company has 29 stores in Ireland and employs over 1,200 staff.
In a statement issued with the company’s results, Mr Kevin Reilly, spokesman for Boots Irish operations said sales Ireland had been particularly strong in the health and beauty sector despite changes in the global economy.
"Sales growth this year has been particularly strong in the health and beauty sector and in Pharmacy, despite changes in the global economy," he said.
"Customers have been very pleased with our attractive stores, customer service, advertising and innovative new products. Our Christmas offer and trading were particularly successful and we are confident we can continue to meet customers’ needs and continue our growth in Ireland."
In addition, the statement said, the company’s overall contribution to the Irish economy amounts to in excess of $#8364;165 million annually, through the sourcing of goods and services for its Irish and UK businesses.
Boots part of a rolling four year programme at a total cost of £170 million. The refurbishment programme will incur a write-off of about £70 million.
It said that in the current year capital expenditure would return to normal levels and sales growth would accelerate whilst gross margins would be maintained.