Superdrug is set to launch 30 new stores in the upcoming year, generating approximately 600 job opportunities. Among the new store locations in England will be White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and Isle of Wight.
Additionally, Superdrug will expand its presence in Scotland with new stores in Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park, Linwood Phoenix Retail Park, and Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales.
The new stores will feature Superdrug Beauty Studios offering services like ear piercing, manicures, and eyebrow threading. Superdrug also intends to refurbish 60 existing stores throughout the year. Presently, the health and beauty retailer operates over 780 stores in the UK and Ireland.
Superdrug executives attributed the expansion plans to the robust demand from customers at their stores. The company emphasized its commitment to investing in large-format destination stores and retail park locations.
Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s property director, expressed confidence in the UK’s physical retail sector, stating that the store openings aim to create holistic beauty and healthcare destinations within local communities, providing trusted products and services. This move is expected to enhance access to healthcare, beauty products, and treatments while fostering job creation and career opportunities for employees.
In other retail news, M&S announced its ambition to open new stores in 500 locations, aiming to double the size of its food business. M&S is seeking larger sites to accommodate a broader range of food products, with plans to grow the average size of its Food stores to 18,000 square feet. The supermarket plans to open or renew 20 stores by the end of the financial year, resulting in 800 new jobs. This strategic expansion aims to offer a more extensive product range and attract more customers for their weekly shopping needs.