Perfume sales are a shot in the arm for Superdrug

SUPeRdRUg has celebrated a bumper Christmas after shoppers splashed out on make-up and perfume despite pressure on family budgets.

The pharmacy chain said sales in the four weeks to december 30 were 9.2pc higher than a year earlier. Scents by pop star ariana grande ( pictured) and fashion brand Calvin Klein flew off the shelves, boosting sales.

Three perfume sets were sold every minute in the critical weeks ahead of Christmas.

Shoppers also traded down to more affordable options amid the cost of living crisis.

This pushed up sales of Superdrug’s own-brand goods. Its cosmetics range, Studio London, was 10pc higher than the year before. Bestsellers included a £15 eight-piece make-up brush set and £5 eye shadow palette as Britons got glammed up for Christmas parties. ‘ We are exceptionally pleased to be reporting strong Christmas results and appreciate our customers’ continued support,’ said boss Peter Macnab. ‘Our continued investment into expanding the store estate and digital services, as well as in innovation, remains imperative and has helped contribute to an increase in sales throughout the december period.’

an additional 127,000 customers registered for the firm’s Health & Beautycard loyalty scheme in december bringing its total number of members to 18.1m.

Superdrug said it ‘invested heavily’ in expanding the services available for customers in store, which include makeovers, eyebrow threading and ear piercings. So-called ‘beauty studio’ sales increased 20pc in december compared to the same month in 2022.

The company, launched in London in 1966, has also ploughed cash into its online business as sales via its app increased 74pc compared to last year.