Superdrug has announced plans to launch 30 new stores in the coming year, generating approximately 600 job opportunities. The new store locations in England will include White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and Isle of Wight. Additionally, Superdrug is set to open new stores in Scotland, including Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park, Linwood Phoenix Retail Park, and Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales.
These new stores will feature Superdrug Beauty Studios offering various treatments such as ear piercing, manicures, and eyebrow threading. Moreover, the company plans to refurbish 60 stores throughout the year. Currently, Superdrug operates over 780 outlets across the UK and Ireland.
Superdrug executives attribute the decision to open more stores to the high demand from customers at existing locations. The beauty retailer emphasizes its commitment to investing in large-format destination stores and retail park sites to enhance the shopping experience.
According to Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s property director, the expansion initiative reflects the demand for physical retail experiences. By opening these new stores, Superdrug aims to create beauty and healthcare destinations that integrate various services in welcoming community spaces. The investment not only broadens access to healthcare and beauty products but also generates numerous job opportunities for local communities.
In other retail news, M&S has unveiled plans to expand its food business by doubling the size of its stores. The supermarket chain has identified 500 potential locations, including areas without existing M&S stores like Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford. M&S is seeking large sites capable of stocking a comprehensive range of its food products, with an average target size of 18,000 square feet.
M&S is on track to open or renew 20 stores by the end of the financial year, leading to the creation of 800 new jobs. The company’s strategy includes expanding its Food stores to accommodate a wider selection of products and attract more shoppers for their weekly grocery needs.