Superdrug has announced plans to open 30 new stores across the UK in 2026, extending its geographical footprint and creating approximately 600 new jobs. The programme forms part of the retailer’s continued investment in bricks-and-mortar retail.
The health and beauty retailer said it continues to see strong customer demand for experience-led physical stores. As part of its strategy to drive discovery and engagement, Superdrug will focus on large-format destination stores and retail park locations.
The 2026 opening programme reflects the retailer’s nationwide growth ambitions. Confirmed locations include Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park and Linwood Phoenix Retail Park in Scotland; White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park and the Isle of Wight in England; and Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales.
Each new store will be designed to offer an immersive customer experience, moving beyond the traditional health and beauty shop format. Superdrug’s latest experience stores are intended to enable customers to discover emerging beauty brands, access expert advice and use a range of affordable in-store services.
These include Superdrug Beauty Studios, where customers can explore new product launches and book treatments such as ear piercing, manicures and eyebrow threading. Stores will also feature luxury fragrance counters, nurse-led clinics providing face-to-face healthcare services, and pharmacies offering personalised professional guidance.
Alongside the new openings, Superdrug plans to complete 60 store refits during 2026, representing further investment in its existing estate.
The retailer said investment in training and development remains a priority as the business grows, with each store opening supporting the creation of inclusive workplaces and long-term career opportunities.
“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. 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.
Clare Jennings, Property Director, Superdrug
“Our customers want more than convenience, they want expertise, products and services they can trust, delivered in welcoming spaces within their local communities. 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.”
Superdrug said the expansion reinforces physical retail as a core pillar of its O+O (Online + Offline) strategy, enabling customers to access its offer across channels.
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