Superdrug has revealed that it is aiming to open 25 new stores in 2025 as it steps up its expansion plans amid a period of strong trading for the health & beauty retailer.
Following the opening of a new store in Leeds Briggate in late February, Superdrug plans to introduce ‘gold-tier’ locations in prime areas such as Guernsey and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol this year. In addition, the retailer is set to refurbish 65 sites and expand multiple locations, including its outlets in Luton, Dundee, and Sheffield.
After achieving a 25% sales increase in its 100 largest stores last year, Superdrug stated that it was committed to investing in large-scale locations, with an emphasis on destination stores and retail parks. In January this year, these top 100 stores experienced an 8% rise in footfall.
“We want everyone who enters Superdrug to feel an elevated customer experience. 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.
“Be that through updated cosmetic stands, which can be found in our Brent Cross store, or via great beauty treatments that everyone can afford regularly, or through private clinics that give face-to-face access to healthcare professionals.
“We can see from our sales last year that investing in and increasing the number of large format stores in our estate allows us to accelerate our bricks & mortar strategy, so that we can bring the bigger and better shopping experience that we know our customers love, to even more communities across the UK.”
Superdrug recently experienced its “best Christmas ever” after seeing like-for-like sales climb 5.1% in the six weeks to 4 January.
NAM Implications:
- Albeit 25 new stores represent a 3% increase in estate numbers.
- Superdrug’s emphasis on ‘large scale locations…
- …following significant increases in sales…
- …and given the muscle of parent AS Watson…
- …all makes these moves worth our attention.
- i.e. Watch this space…
