Relocation and refurbishment of branches are credited with helping National Co-operative Chemists Ltd to nearly double its surplus before distributions, equivalent to pre-tax profits.
The company reported sales of £157m, up 14 per cent, for the year to January 28, 2000, in its annual report, published on May 4. The surplus before distributions rose by 93 per cent to £6.3m. Dispensing sales increased by 15 per cent and 11.9m prescriptions were dispensed. Sales of over-the-counter medicines were boosted by increased space allocation, merchandising and moving some products onto open display.
"Overall sales have benefited from increased footfall from our promotional and marketing activities," Mr Tony Henry (chairman, NCC) says in the report. "These results fully justify our strategic policies of relocating some branches to doctors' health centres, refurbishing premises and introducing additional professional services."
During the year, six branches were relocated to health centres or Co-op food stores, 22 pharmacies were acquired and one new pharmacy opened. Two branches at Market Deeping and two at Barwell were merged and five were closed. Refurbishment was carried out at 30 branches.
At the year end, NCC was managing 274 pharmacies, including nine owned by Belfast Co-operative Chemists Ltd and two by Society Specialists Ltd.