Superdrug has announced intentions to launch 30 new stores in the current year, generating approximately 600 employment opportunities. Among the new locations in England are White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and Isle of Wight.

Superdrug is set to expand its presence in Scotland with new stores in Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park, Linwood Phoenix Retail Park, and Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales. These upcoming stores will feature Superdrug Beauty Studios offering services like ear piercing, manicures, and eyebrow threading.

Additionally, Superdrug plans to revamp 60 existing stores this year. The health and beauty retailer, which currently operates over 780 stores in the UK and Ireland, made this announcement citing strong consumer demand at their outlets.

Superdrug executives emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in large-format destination stores and retail park locations to meet the evolving needs of customers. Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s property director, expressed confidence in the UK retail sector, highlighting the significance of physical retail experiences. The company aims to not only expand its footprint but also create holistic beauty and healthcare destinations that cater to the community’s needs.

In related retail news, M&S disclosed plans to expand its food business by doubling the size of its stores. The retailer has identified 500 potential locations, including areas without current M&S presence like Hove, Marlborough, and Wallingford. M&S is specifically seeking large sites to accommodate a wider range of food products, with a target store size averaging 18,000 square feet.

As part of its growth strategy, M&S is opening or renovating 20 stores before the fiscal year-end, resulting in the creation of 800 new jobs. The focus is on enhancing the food store offerings to attract more customers for their weekly shopping needs.