Clicks posts slower growth as Covid jabs drop

24 Jan 2023

Pharmacy chain Clicks Group on Tuesday, 24 January reported slower turnover growth for the 20-week period to 15 January, reflecting a sharp fall in Covid-19 vaccinations. Turnover rose by 2.9% versus growth of 10.4% seen a year earlier.

Source: Reuters/Sumaya Hisham

Excluding vaccinations, turnover rose by 7.8% to R15.6bn reflecting good volume growth following strong Black Friday and Christmas trading.

"Clicks reported particularly strong growth in beauty, personal care and baby, with customer purchasing behaviour normalising post the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations," CEO Bertina Engelbrecht said.

The beauty retailer generated just R4m from vaccinations versus R685m a year earlier. Clicks did not share further detail on this.

Its total retail sales grew by 5.5% and by 12.2% excluding vaccinations.

#BizTrends2023: Top beauty and healthcare trends to watch in 2023 and beyond

Bertina Engelbrecht 9 Jan 2023

After more than 4 million Covid-19 infections and over 102,000 deaths, hospitalisation and mortality rates have come down significantly in South Africa. As of 23 January, over 38 million vaccinations had been administered.

Turnover at United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) - its bulk and wholesale division - grew by 9.9% as sales managed for bulk distribution clients benefited from new contracts and growth in existing clients.

Source: Reuters

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