Superdrug plans to open 30 new UK stores with around 600 new jobs created

The Croydon‑based chain, founded in 1964, currently operates more than 780 stores across the UK and Ireland.

The company said continued demand for physical retail has supported its decision to expand its store network, with investment focused on large‑format destination stores and retail park locations.

Several new sites have been confirmed across Scotland, including Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park and Linwood Phoenix Retail Park.

New stores are also planned in England, including White Rose in Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park and the Isle of Wight.

In Wales, a new store is planned for Cwmbran Retail Park.

Superdrug said retail parks offer customers easier parking access and larger spaces, allowing the company to expand its in‑store services.

Many of the new stores will include Superdrug Beauty Studios, offering ear piercing, manicures and eyebrow threading alongside standard retail shopping.

The retailer will also refurbish 60 existing stores this year as part of a wider investment programme aimed at improving the in‑store experience.

The upgrades are designed to create locations where customers can purchase products and access treatments in one place.

Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, said: “Superdrug continues to see strong demand for physical, experience‑led retail, and our 2026 store opening programme is a clear vote of confidence in UK bricks and mortar retail.”

Ms Jennings added: “By opening 30 stores, we’re not just increasing our footprint, we’re creating destinations that bring together beauty, healthcare and affordable treatments under one roof.”

She said customer expectations have shifted in recent years.

“Our customers want more than convenience, they want expertise, products and services they can trust, delivered in welcoming spaces within their local communities.”

Ms Jennings also highlighted the employment impact of the expansion, saying the investment will bring “bigger, better Superdrug stores to more locations across the UK” while creating “hundreds of new jobs and long‑term career opportunities”.

The expansion programme is expected to continue throughout 2026 as part of the retailer’s wider UK growth strategy.

This comes after a series of high street closures coming into 2026.

High street clothing retailer Quiz has confirmed it has fallen into administration, with 109 jobs being made redundant, however its 40 stores and seven concessions will continue to trade.

The closures have extended to banks, with Natwest revealing plans to shut 32 more branches across the country.