Recently, Superdrug is set to expand its UK presence in 2025 with the opening of 25 new “best-in-class” stores, reinforcing its commitment to physical retail. This expansion will create an estimated 600 new jobs in the UK retail sector and follows a strong performance last year, where the company saw a 25% sales increase at its top 100 largest stores.
The beauty and health retailer, owned by AS Watson, is focusing its investment on large-scale stores, particularly in destination shopping areas and retail parks. “For us, this is not about a quick and easy purchase, it is about engaging customers with added extras that truly enrich their everyday lives,” said Nigel Duxbury, Superdrug’s Property Director. He highlighted the importance of in-store experiences, such as upgraded cosmetic stands, affordable beauty treatments, and private healthcare clinics offering face-to-face consultations.
Superdrug launched the first of its new stores in Leeds Briggate in February, with additional openings planned in Guernsey and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. Beyond new locations, the company is also investing in store refurbishments and expansions. In 2025, 65 stores will undergo renovations, with significant enlargements planned for sites in Luton, Dundee, and Meadowhall Sheffield.
All new and refurbished locations will adhere to Superdrug’s sustainable store scheme, ensuring energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. “We can see from our sales last year that investing in and increasing the number of large format stores allows us to accelerate our bricks-and-mortar strategy,” added Duxbury. “This enables us to bring the bigger and better shopping experience, that we know our customers love, to even more communities across the UK.”
