Virus gives skincare business a lift in UK

A GOLD Coast skincare producer will need to put on more staff following a sales rush in the UK where its eczema relief cream sold out in a week.

Grahams Natural Alternatives, which produces a range of products for the relief of irritating skin conditions, has sent another shipment to major pharmacy chain Boots after selling 12,000 units in just seven days.

Such is the demand for the product that the next shipment will be taken by air rather than ship because the low Australian dollar has made it viable financially.

“Boots is the biggest pharmacy chain in the UK and we started with them in early March and it has just been unbelievable,” co-owner Shannon Graham said.

“They say it is unprecedented for an unknown brand.”

Ms Graham said the cream, which is used to treat eczema, was in demand because of irritation caused by excessive handwashing with hand sanitiser and other products as fear of the coronavirus spreads.

“Our products have left on the last flight for London so we can restock,” she said.

“That low Australian dollar has been incredible for us as far as exporting to the UK and Europe.”

A low Australian dollar makes exports cheaper in stores overseas and also means companies receive more when they are paid for goods.

Ms Shannon said the handwashing was “100 per cent necessary” with the skin problems a by-product that needed to be treated.

She said the company needed to put on three more staff in its warehouse just to keep pace with sales.

“Our warehouse stretched to the limit.”

The Grahams products are stocked in 500 Boots stores. is