In a significant boost to the UK's retail landscape, health and beauty giant Superdrug has unveiled ambitious expansion plans that will see the opening of 30 new stores across the country this year. This strategic move is set to create approximately 600 new jobs, reinforcing the company's strong commitment to physical retail spaces amid evolving consumer habits.
A Vote of Confidence in Physical Retail
The Croydon-based chain, which was founded in 1964 and currently operates more than 780 stores across the UK and Ireland, attributes this expansion to consistently strong customer demand for in-store experiences. According to company executives, the new openings represent a clear endorsement of bricks-and-mortar retail's enduring appeal.
Clare Jennings, Superdrug's property director, emphasised this commitment, stating: "Superdrug continues to see strong demand for physical, experience-led retail. Our 2026 store opening programme is a clear vote of confidence in UK bricks-and-mortar retail."
Strategic Location Focus
The expansion will concentrate on establishing large-format destination stores and retail park locations across multiple regions. This approach aims to create comprehensive retail destinations that bring together beauty, healthcare, and affordable treatments under one roof.
New store locations will include several prominent retail parks across Scotland, England, and Wales:
- Scotland: Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park, and Linwood Phoenix Retail Park
- England: White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and Isle of Wight
- Wales: Cwmbran Retail Park
Enhanced Customer Experience
Beyond simply expanding its physical footprint, Superdrug plans to enhance the shopping experience through additional services and store improvements. Shoppers will be able to access popular beauty treatments including ear piercing, manicures, and eyebrow threading at Superdrug Beauty Studios within the new locations.
Jennings explained the company's broader vision: "By opening 30 stores, we're not just increasing our footprint, we're creating destinations that bring together beauty, healthcare and affordable treatments under one roof. Our customers want more than convenience; they want expertise, products and services they can trust, delivered in welcoming spaces within their local communities."
Comprehensive Store Refurbishment Programme
Alongside the new store openings, Superdrug has announced plans to complete 60 store refits across its existing estate during 2026. This dual approach of expansion and refurbishment demonstrates the company's comprehensive strategy to maintain and enhance its retail presence nationwide.
The investment represents a significant commitment to local communities, with Jennings highlighting the broader benefits: "This investment allows us to bring bigger, better Superdrug stores to more locations across the UK, unlocking more access to healthcare, beauty products and treatments, while creating hundreds of new jobs and long-term career opportunities for our colleagues."
This expansion comes at a time when many retailers are reassessing their physical store strategies, making Superdrug's commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail particularly noteworthy. The company's focus on creating destination stores that combine healthcare, beauty, and treatment services reflects evolving consumer expectations for comprehensive retail experiences that go beyond simple product transactions.
