Superdrug has announced plans to open 25 new stores in the UK and extend seven existing sites.
The investment is set to create more than 500 new jobs.
The health and beauty retailer said it is investing in its bricks-and-mortar retail footprint as it celebrates its 60th year on the British high street.
New stores will open in St David’s in Cardiff, Bluewater Shopping Centre and Westfield Stratford City.
As well as opening new stores, 67 existing stores will receive investment to improve customer experience, with seven sites being extended and 60 locations being refitted this year.
Superdrug will double the footprint of its Craigavon store in Northern Ireland this year to 5,800 sq. ft,
The expansion is expected to create over 500 new jobs nationwide
PA IMAGES
It is also extending its Lakeside Thurrock store to 7,669 sq. ft with the addition of a new fragrance counter and Nurse services.
The modernisation will include new shop fronts, fully recyclable signage, improved flooring and ceiling tiles made from bio-soluble mineral wool, clay and starch, energy efficient LED lighting, new floor layouts and upgraded fascia and internal signage.
Nigel Duxbury, Superdrug’s property director, said: “We’ve changed a lot in the 60 years since the first Superdrug store opened in Putney high street, but we remain as committed as ever to providing a seamless shopping experience for our customers, offering the very best in accessible health and beauty.
“This investment into bricks-and-mortar means we can grow our footprint in key locations and highlights our ongoing commitment to high streets and retail shopping destinations, which are an integral part of local communities and economy.
“2024 will see some of the largest ever Superdrug stores open their doors, which is something we are really excited about, as these larger retail units give us the space to be able to offer new and exciting services and even more of the latest health and beauty products.”
The changes to the store will fit in line with the brand's Sustainable Store Scheme.
This will ensure sites are as eco-conscious as possible in everything from design to energy saving and waste management.
The investment, which is part of the brand’s continued focus on an O+O (Online + Offline) will help the platform strategy to deliver its omnichannel ambitions, and is driven by continued strong performance figures, Superdrug said.
The investment follows the retailer’s strong Christmas trading period in 2023. Their total sales were up 9.2 per cent in the four weeks to December 30.
In 2022, revenue rose 17 per cent to £1,367million with a profit before tax increasing by 71.7 per cent.
The expansion follows the news that the retailer is freezing the prices of over 100 everyday essential products to help customers keep up with rising costs.
Prices will be frozen for at least one year in order to give customers some breathing room.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The price lock will be on everyday items across its personal care, beauty and healthcare ranges, with categories from oral health to period products and hair-care included.
The discounted products will be available in Superdrug's 830 stores across the UK and Ireland.
List of announced new store openings:
- Doncaster Wheatley – June
- St David’s Centre, Cardiff – TBC
- Bluewater Shopping Centre – TBC
- Westfield Stratford City, London – Summer
