Superdrug has announced intentions to inaugurate 30 fresh outlets this year, generating approximately 600 employment opportunities. The upcoming locations in England comprise White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and Isle of Wight.
Furthermore, Superdrug is set to establish new branches in Scotland, such as 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 various treatments like ear piercing, manicures, and eyebrow threading. Additionally, Superdrug plans to revamp 60 existing stores throughout the year. Presently, the health and beauty retailer operates over 780 stores in the UK and Ireland.
Superdrug executives cited robust customer demand as the driving force behind the expansion plans. The company aims to invest primarily in large-format destination stores and retail park settings.
Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s property director, emphasized the company’s commitment to physical, experience-driven retail. By adding 30 stores, Superdrug aims to create engaging beauty and healthcare hubs within local communities, offering trusted products and services.
In related retail developments, M&S unveiled plans to expand its food business by doubling the size of its stores. The retailer is eyeing 500 potential locations, including areas without an existing M&S store like Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford.
M&S is actively seeking spacious sites to accommodate a full range of M&S Food products, with a target store size averaging 18,000 square feet. As part of its growth strategy, M&S is opening or renewing 20 stores this financial year, leading to the creation of 800 new jobs.