Superdrug Shines in 2023 – Numbers that Matter
Superdrug, the go‑to spot for health and beauty in the UK, just dropped its latest annual report and the figures look great. Let’s break it down.
Sales & Profit – Big Numbers
- Sales jumped 11.8 % to £1.528 billion (up from £1.367 billion in 2022).
- Market share climbed to 10.6 %, a three‑year‑over‑three‑year rise, beating the 8.9 % it held in 2020.
- Pre‑tax profit surged 43 % to £111.6 million – a tidy jump from £77.8 million.
Store Growth Hits High
Superdrug’s investment in retail began to pay off:
- 14 brand‑new stores popped up in premium spots – Think The Trafford Centre, Brent Cross and Braehead (their biggest shop in Scotland).
- Those flagship locations feature spacious aisles, Beauty Studios, fragrance counters, and even health services.
- In addition, 45 existing shops got a techie makeover: new fronts, fresher Wi‑Fi, LED lighting, and eco‑friendly flooring.
Own‑Brand Boom – From Collagen to Spells
Superdrug’s own product line is gaining traction:
- The Optimum Collagen Night Cream sold out twice in the first half of the year, thanks to glowing reviews.
- The Studio London makeup range grew steadily, and the 2023 “Studio Stars” campaign highlighted ten top makeup artists.
- Exclusive collaborations with Biore SPF, NYX X Barbie and Billie Eilish fragrances topped the sales charts.
A Strategic Focus on Value
When inflation pushed budgets tight, Superdrug kept its prices competitive:
- In May 2023, a 20 % price cut was applied to the SOLAIT sun protection range.
- New members‑only pricing rolled out across own‑brand lines.
- The Superdrug Mobile tariff was frozen for the year after investing in a new platform and 5G services.
CEO’s Take: Building the Future
Peter Macnab, Superdrug’s chief, summed it up: “We’re on track to be the UK’s leading affordable health & beauty retailer. These numbers show that customers keep trusting us. I’m proud of our team for keeping the store experience top‑notch, rolling out fresh products, and locking in good prices—even when inflation’s a real pain.”
A Work‑in‑Progress
Superdrug’s story is ongoing, but with strong sales, new stores, and a solid own‑brand push, it’s clear they’re on the right track. Stay tuned – the next chapter looks promising.
