UK health and beauty retailer Superdrug is celebrating its 60th year on the high street with a major investment into its bricks-and-mortar channel.

With plans to open 25 new stores in 2024, Superdrug’s expanding store estate is expected to create 500 jobs nationwide.

The bricks-and-mortar strategy has already seen the retailer double the footprint of its Craigavon store in Northern Ireland in 2024 to 5,800ft² and extend its Lakeside Thurrock store to 7,669ft² with the addition of a new fragrance counter and nurse services.

Superdrug will be unveiling some of its biggest-ever stores throughout the year, with a further three openings: St David’s in Cardiff, the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent and Westfield Stratford City in east London.

The Cardiff store, one of the first Beauty Studio concept stores, will be upsizing to a new 11,3000ft² space with a treatment studio, offering additional make-up services alongside beauty and piercings. Westfield Stratford City is also doubling in size to 9,892ft² and will be one of Superdrug’s largest locations when it opens in the summer of 2024.

Superdrug will also be extending seven existing stores and refitting 60 during the year, ensuring the estate is modernised with new shop fronts, fully recyclable signage, improved flooring and ceiling tiles made from bio-soluble mineral wool, clay and starch, energy-efficient LED lighting, new floor layouts, upgraded fascia and revamped internal signage.

All openings and refits will benefit from Superdrug’s sustainable store scheme, ensuring its sites are as eco-conscious as possible in everything from design to energy saving and waste management.

The investments are part of the brand’s continued focus on an O+O (Online + Offline) platform strategy to deliver its omnichannel ambitions.

Superdrug property director Nigel Duxbury commented: “This investment into bricks-and-mortar highlights our ongoing commitment to high streets and retail shopping destinations, which are an integral part of local communities and the economy.”