The closure of a Superdrug store that has been a fixture on Dudley High Street for more than four decades has left local shoppers feeling devastated and concerned about the future of their town centre. The branch, located at 38A High Street in the West Midlands, will shut its doors permanently on January 31, marking the end of an era for many residents who have relied on it for health and beauty products.
Community Reaction to the Closure
News of the closure has sparked a wave of sadness and frustration among Dudley locals, with many taking to social media to express their dismay. In comments on the Facebook group Dudley Explorers Worldwide, residents described the store as one of the "last original shops" remaining in the town centre and warned that its loss could drive even more people away from Dudley.
One shopper lamented, "Nooooo! There really won't be any reason for me to go to Dudley if this carries on!" while another called it "another nail in the coffin and further demise of Dudley." Others expressed fears that the town is becoming a "ghost town," highlighting broader concerns about the decline of high streets across Britain.
Transition to Savers
The Superdrug unit will not remain vacant for long, as it is set to be taken over by the bargain chain Savers. In a post shared on the store's TikTok account, which has been renamed Dudley Savers, staff announced the change, stating, "Goodbye Superdrug. Hello Savers." The message continued, "We are excited to tell you about a new adventure upon us all in Dudley! We will be closing as Superdrug on January 31 and re-opening as Savers on February 12."
While Savers promises cheaper prices and the retention of familiar staff faces, many locals feel that losing Superdrug represents another blow to a struggling town centre. Some shoppers noted the store's good variety of makeup, expressing disappointment that this option will no longer be available.
Broader High Street Challenges
This closure is part of a wider trend affecting high streets throughout the United Kingdom. Rising rents, soaring energy bills, the shift to online shopping, and changing consumer habits have all contributed to the struggles faced by brick-and-mortar retailers. Beauty and health chains, in particular, are being forced to rethink their store portfolios as footfall declines and customers increasingly seek out bargains.
In recent years, numerous types of businesses—including banks, clothing chains, cafes, and chemists—have vanished from many town centres, leaving empty units as a common sight. Even high street betting shops have not been immune to these challenges, underscoring the pervasive nature of the retail downturn.
Historical Context and Similar Closures
This is not the first instance of a Superdrug store being replaced by Savers, as both brands are owned by the same parent company, A.S. Watson Group. For example, back in 2020, a Superdrug store in Bermondsey's Blue shopping centre was converted into a Savers branch. More recently, Superdrug also closed its Grantham store in Lincolnshire and its Redruth branch in Cornwall last summer, indicating a pattern of strategic adjustments within the company's portfolio.
The transition in Dudley reflects these broader corporate strategies, but for locals, it feels like a personal loss. As one resident pointed out, the closure is "yet another sign Britain's town centres are disappearing," raising questions about the long-term viability of traditional high streets in the face of ongoing economic pressures.
