Superdrug Unveils Major UK Retail Expansion with 30 New Stores
Health and beauty chain Superdrug has announced significant expansion plans for 2026, revealing it will open 30 new stores across the United Kingdom this year. This ambitious move represents a strong commitment to the UK retail sector and is expected to create approximately 600 new jobs nationwide.
Strategic Investment in Physical Retail
The Croydon-based retailer, which was founded in 1964 and currently operates more than 780 shops across the UK and Ireland, said the expansion comes in response to "strong customer demand" for physical retail experiences. Superdrug executives emphasized they will continue to invest particularly in "large-format destination stores and retail park locations" as part of their growth strategy.
Clare Jennings, Superdrug's property director, stated: "Superdrug continues to see strong demand for physical, experience-led retail, and our 2026 store opening programme is a clear vote of confidence in UK bricks and mortar retail."
New Locations Across the UK
The company confirmed several new locations that will be part of this expansion programme. In Scotland, new sites will include Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park and Linwood Phoenix Retail Park. English locations will feature White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and the Isle of Wight. Wales will see a new store at Cwmbran Retail Park.
Jennings added: "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."
Enhanced Customer Experience and Services
Shoppers at the new Superdrug stores will have access to expanded beauty products and treatments through Superdrug Beauty Studios. These will offer services including ear piercing, manicures and eyebrow threading alongside traditional retail offerings.
"Our customers want more than convenience, they want expertise, products and services they can trust, delivered in welcoming spaces within their local communities," Jennings explained.
Comprehensive Store Refit Programme
In addition to the new store openings, Superdrug revealed plans to complete 60 store refits during the year as part of what the company describes as "significant investment" across its entire estate. This dual approach of expansion and refurbishment demonstrates the retailer's comprehensive strategy to enhance its physical presence nationwide.
Jennings concluded: "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."
The expansion announcement comes as Superdrug celebrates over six decades in business, having established itself as a prominent player in the UK health and beauty retail sector since its founding in 1964.
