Superdrug sales up 5.2% despite ‘challenging’ backdrop
Superdrug has reported a 5.2% increase in sales to £1.7 billion in its 2025 financial year, driven by growth online and across its retail stores.
Pre-tax profit was also up, rising 5.3% to £144.1 million, after the health and beauty retailer benefited from the performance of its own-brand proposition, competitive pricing, and targeted promotional activity.
Subscribe to TRBDuring the year, Superdrug opened 22 best-in-class new stores, including a 9,581 square foot shop at Westfield White City, its first store on the island of Guernsey, and new sites in Leeds Briggate, Bristol Cribbs Causeway and Sheffield Meadowhall.
The retailer also refurbished and extended 45 existing stores, and launched its Beauty Playground concept at Westfield Stratford, aimed at making stores more interactive, playful and discovery-led. The concept is now present in 27 of Superdrug’s largest stores.
Other initiatives included the expansion of the retailer’s online marketplace with a move into fashion and the launch of over 60 new brands, including Nike, Jack & Jones and Crocs.
Superdrug also invested £1 million in a new Healthcare Ambassador programme, where itt rained dedicated store colleagues across key healthcare categories to strengthen the pharmacy advice available to customers.
In October, the retailer expanded its international beauty offering, bringing 400 of the latest K-Beauty products to the UK through a partnership with Pureseoul. Other new additions to the line-up included Australian social-first beauty brand MCoBeauty, which launched at Superdrug in July.
Superdrug also invested in own-brand beauty, with the launch of products such as the Optimum Peptide range, which brought science-led skincare credibility, as well as Dew Dream Glow Filters and a new teen range, POP, launched in partnership with Lexi Hughes.
Meanwhile, the retailer continued to invest in its people proposition during the year, committing £1 million to colleague wellbeing and a benefits offer spanning financial wellbeing, healthcare, discounts, flexibility and development.
In addition, the retailer’s inclusion and diversity programme, Unlearn, received recognition at TRB’s People in Retail Awards 2025.
Peter Macnab, chief executive of AS Watson Health and Beauty UK & ROI, said: “We are pleased to report another strong year for Superdrug, despite a challenging backdrop for retail in the UK and continued pressure on household budgets. These results demonstrate the strength of our customer proposition and the continued relevance of Superdrug’s service and offering.”
“Our colleagues have been central to this performance. Their passion, expertise and commitment are what brings Superdrug to life for communities across the country.
“Customers are choosing us for great value, trusted advice, exciting brands and everyday affordability, and we will continue to invest in the areas that matter most to them. Our position and ambition are clear – to remain the most- loved destination for accessible health and beauty in the UK.”
