At Last Good News On The High Street
Savers celebrates continuing success with 'Best Value Retailer' Award

United Kingdom (16 May 2005)

High Street retailer Savers Health & Beauty is celebrating being voted 'best value retailer' in the recent Verdict Customer Satisfaction Index report for the second consecutive year. From a list of household name retailers, Savers was ranked number one on price – a full ten points ahead of its nearest rival. As high street sales slump to levels not seen since 1992, this is the latest in a string of good news for the retailer.

While other retailers are struggling, Savers 410 stores continue to win customers as shoppers become more canny about their spending. Numbers of new customers have soared over the past five years due to a combination of unbeatable prices, quality products and an attractive shopping environment.

Philip Ingham, CEO said: "While other retailers have found the current trading environment difficult, we continue to build our market share. Our customers have come to expect high-quality brand-names at Savers low prices, they trust us to offer outstanding value, in an attractive retail environment. The Verdict Report simply underlines our strategy."

Savers mega-discount format has been accentuated by simple store design, strong logistics and low operating costs which are in line with the values of parent company A S Watson which acquired the company in 2000.

Unlike other low price retailers, tidiness, cleanliness and consistency are not forgotten in the ultimate quest to offer customers the best prices. The company is committed to all aspects of store operation and it is this holistic approach which Savers believes gives it a competitive edge.

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For Further queries to:
Gemma Mason/Stacey Kerr (AS Watson Health & Beauty UK)
Tel: 020 8683 5681/020 8683 5656
E-mail: gemma.mason@uk.aswatson.com/zaria.pinchbeck@uk.aswatson.com

Notes to editor's:
· With a focus on fast-moving toiletries products, the Savers store concept immediately resonated with consumers in the marketplace when it was launched in the UK in 1988. Savers’ "mega-discount" format, accentuated by simple store design, strong logistics and low operating costs, attributed to its success and has since expanded it to over 400 stores.

· Savers is one of the health & beauty retail brands from the A.S. Watson Group (ASW) family. With a history dating back to 1828, ASW has evolved into an international retail and manufacturing business with operations in 31 markets worldwide.