Superdrug has announced intentions to launch 30 new stores this year, generating approximately 600 employment opportunities. The new store locations in England will include White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and Isle of Wight.
In addition to these, Superdrug is set to open new stores in Scotland, including Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park, and Linwood Phoenix Retail Park, as well as Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales.
These upcoming stores will feature Superdrug Beauty Studios offering services like ear piercing, manicures, and eyebrow threading. Superdrug also plans to refurbish 60 stores throughout the year. Currently, the health and beauty retailer operates over 780 shops in the UK and Ireland.
The decision for further store openings is driven by the strong demand from customers, according to Superdrug executives. The company aims to invest in large-format destination stores and retail park locations to enhance the retail experience.
Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s property director, expressed confidence in the UK’s physical retail sector, emphasizing a commitment to providing trusted products and services in welcoming community spaces. The expansion initiative not only aims to increase Superdrug’s presence but also create more accessible healthcare and beauty options while generating numerous job opportunities.
In related retail news, M&S recently unveiled plans to expand its food business by opening new stores in 500 desired locations. The company is focusing on larger sites to double the size of its food business, targeting areas like Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford where M&S stores are not currently present.
M&S is actively seeking spacious locations that can accommodate a full range of M&S Food products to attract more customers for their weekly grocery shopping. The supermarket is on track to open or renew 20 stores by the end of the financial year, leading to the creation of 800 new jobs.