Camellia. API to expand Priceline stores

Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API), based at Camellia, one of Australia’s leading health and beauty companies, aims to boost its 213 franchised Pricleine stores to 400 by early 2011. API has a number of brands and banners in the retail health and beauty industry, including Soul Pattinson, Pharmacist Advice as well as Priceline. API’s sales for the four months to December 31 rose 5.6 per cent over the corresponding period, while same store sales increased 2.2 per cent. “We were disappointed with some of the sale results (over the Christmas period) but the fact is we maintained margins,” CEO, Stephen Roche, said. API, which has 329 stores across Australia, opened 30 outlets over the past year.