Popular high street beauty chain to open 30 new stores in 2026

High street health and cosmetics store chain Superdrug is set to open 30 new stores throughout the coming year, extending its reach across all four corners of the country. Superdrug currently operates more than 780 shops across the UK and Ireland. 

The expansion is set to create around 600 new jobs, with bosses at the retailer explaining that the plans for more openings are due to the “strong customer demand” in its stores. Superdrug said that it will continue to invest in “large-format destination stores and retail park locations”. A small number of locations have already been confirmed to open their doors this year.

It confirmed that new sites 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, Isle of Wight in England; and Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales.

As well as the new store announcement, Superdrug is also intending to carry out refits of 60 of its stores in 2026. Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s Property Director, said of the announcement: “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.

“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.”

Last year, Superdrug reported that it had added over 600 jobs to its business in 2024. The growth included the opening of 13 new stores, building its 400 roles created the year before.