- Some Superdrug stores will also get a refit, while others will be extended
Superdrug has announced plans to open 25 new stores around Britain this year, vowing to create 500 jobs in the process.
Doubling down on its high-street presence, the retailer said it will be creating ‘bigger and better store formats in prime retail destinations.’
New stores will be opening this year in Wheatley Centre Shopping Park in Doncaster, St David’s Centre in Cardiff, Bluewater Shopping Centre and Westfield Stratford City.
The remaining locations are yet to be revealed.
Openings: Superdrug has announced plans to open 25 new stores around the UK this year
On top of opening a number of new stores, Superdrug said it planned to refit 60 existing stores, while seven existing shops will be extended in size.
Superdrug’s property director, Nigel Duxbury, said: ‘This investment into bricks-and-mortar means we can grow our footprint in key locations and highlights our ongoing commitment to highstreets and retail shopping destinations, which are an integral part of local communities and economy.’
The health and beauty retailer said its Craigavon store in Northern Ireland had already been extended to 5,800 sq. ft, while the site at Lakeside Thurrock had been upped to 7,669 sq. ft, with the addition of a new fragrance counter and nurse services.
In shops getting a refit, Superdrug said there would be new shop fronts, ‘improved’ flooring and ceiling tiles made from bio-soluble mineral wool, clay and starch, LED lighting, new floor layouts and upgraded fascia and internal signage.
The retailer, which is celebrating its 60th year, added: ‘All openings and refits will benefit from Superdrug’s sustainable store scheme, which ensures sites are as eco conscious as possible in everything from design to energy saving and waste management.’
The retailer said its total sales in the four weeks to 30 December increased by 9.2 per cent, with like-for-like sales up 7.1 per cent.
Superdrug said 18.1million people in the UK were signed up to its loyalty scheme.
Last June, rival Boots announced plans to close a further 300 stores across the UK.
The chain said the move was about trying to ‘consolidate a number of stores in close proximity to each other.’