Released on: August 28, 2008, 1:05 am

Press Release Author: Will Iredale (Post/Designation: Public Relations)

Industry: Pharmaceuticals

Press Release Summary: Mr Soma said the success of the website had been boosted by
the economic downturn and the fact that people were now looking to cheaper products.


Press Release Body: Chemist Direct, of Evington, Leicester, which sells discounted
health and beauty products, was found to be attracting more visits than the online
operation of the
long-established Lloyds Pharmacy.

The figures were compiled by internet specialist Hitwise, part of Nottingham data
analysis giant, Experian. It found Chemist Direct had a market share of 8.66 per
cent, more than two per cent higher than second-place Lloyds.

Chemist Direct was set up by husband and wife, Mitesh and Krishna Soma, in November,
after they saw a gap in the market for an online discount chemist. "We have got to
this position relatively quickly through the media attention we have had, through
our prices and through word of mouth," he said. "We have the biggest range of health
and beauty products online in excess of 20,000 products. Mr Soma said the success of
the website had been boosted by the economic downturn and the fact that people were
now looking to cheaper products.

"Regardless of whether there is a recession or not, everybody will always look to
save money," he said. "But the timing has been great, people are now feeling the
pinch and
it's all doom and gloom. If people need medication and their toiletries, we can
offer it at 30 to 40 per cent, or even 90 per cent, cheaper."

Chemist Direct employs 35 people at its warehouse in the West Midlands and five
people at its Evington head office. Jannie Cahill, a spokeswoman for Hitwise, said
"Chemist Direct has done a fantastic job of growing its business."


Web Site: http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk

Contact Details: Address: Unit 8 Spon Lane, Industrial Estate, Spring Road,
Birmingham B66 1PE

Phone & Fax Number: 0845 259 0175

Email ID: marketing@chemistdirect.co.uk