Pharmacy operator Nepstar’s sales grew 5.7% to Yn2.5bn (£248m) in the 2011 financial year. Like-for-like sales rose 8.7%year on year and net income soared 118% to Yn35.9m (£3.56m). The retailer said the sales rise was due to optimisation of the merchandise mix, diversification into non-pharmaceutical categories in the first half and good execution of marketing programmes. For 2012, Nepstar hopes to balance the challenges and opportunities of the health care reform movement.