THE WHAT?  Leading health and beauty retailer Superdrug has announced plans to open 25 new stores in 2024, marking its 60th year on the British high street. This expansion is part of a significant investment in its bricks-and-mortar retail footprint, aimed at enhancing the physical shopping experience for customers.

THE DETAILS Superdrug’s ambitious plan includes opening 25 new stores, creating over 500 jobs nationwide. The expansion will feature larger store formats in prime retail locations, such as St David’s in Cardiff, Bluewater Shopping Centre, and Westfield Stratford City. Notable developments include doubling the size of the Craigavon store in Northern Ireland to 5,800 sq. ft. and extending the Lakeside Thurrock store to 7,669 sq. ft. Additionally, the Cardiff store will upsize to 11,300 sq. ft. with new treatment services, and the Westfield Stratford City store will double to 9,892 sq. ft. Superdrug will also refit 60 existing stores and extend seven others, incorporating eco-conscious designs and energy-efficient features.

THE WHY?   This investment aligns with Superdrug’s O+O (Online + Offline) strategy, aimed at delivering a seamless omnichannel shopping experience. The retailer’s strong performance, including a 9.2% increase in Christmas trading sales and a 17% revenue rise in 2022, underscores its commitment to enhancing customer engagement and supporting local communities. The expansion will enable Superdrug to offer a wider range of health and beauty products, new services, and exclusive member deals, reinforcing its position as a key player in the retail market.