In a significant boost to the UK retail sector, high street health and beauty chain Superdrug has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for 2026. The retailer will open 30 new stores across the country, creating around 600 new jobs and refurbishing 60 existing locations.
Strategic Growth Across the UK
Superdrug, which currently operates more than 780 outlets across the UK and Ireland, will broaden its presence with new stores in England, Scotland, and Wales. The expansion represents a substantial investment in physical retail at a time when many chains are scaling back.
Confirmed Locations for 2026
The company has already identified several sites that will welcome customers this year. In Scotland, new stores will open at Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park, and Linwood Phoenix Retail Park.
English locations include White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, and the Isle of Wight. Wales will see a new store at Cwmbran Retail Park.
Creating Destinations, Not Just Stores
Clare Jennings, Superdrug's Property Director, emphasized that this expansion goes beyond mere footprint growth. "Superdrug continues to see strong demand for physical, experience-led retail," Jennings stated. "Our 2026 store opening programme is a clear vote of confidence in UK bricks and mortar retail."
Jennings explained the strategic approach: "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. Our customers want more than convenience, they want expertise, products and services they can trust, delivered in welcoming spaces within their local communities."
Investment in Large-Format Stores
The company confirmed it will maintain its investment in "large-format destination stores and retail park locations." This approach aligns with consumer preferences for comprehensive retail experiences that combine beauty products, healthcare services, and affordable treatments in single locations.
Job Creation and Career Opportunities
The expansion will generate approximately 600 new positions, with company leadership citing "strong customer demand" as the primary driver behind the growth plans. This continues a positive trend for the retailer, which created over 600 jobs in 2024 through the launch of 13 new stores, building on 400 roles generated the previous year.
Jennings highlighted the broader impact: "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."
Refurbishment Programme
Alongside the new store rollout, Superdrug plans to refurbish 60 existing stores in 2026. This dual approach of expansion and renovation demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its retail presence across the country.
Confidence in Physical Retail
The announcement comes as a strong statement of confidence in the future of physical retail in the UK. While many retailers have struggled with the shift to online shopping, Superdrug's expansion suggests there remains significant demand for in-person shopping experiences, particularly in the health and beauty sector where customers value expert advice and hands-on product testing.
The retailer's focus on "experience-led retail" and creating "destinations" rather than mere shopping locations reflects evolving consumer expectations in the post-pandemic retail landscape.
