Latest news with #SimonComins
The Guardian
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Superdrug plans to add more stores as demand for weight-loss drugs soars
An increase in demand for weight-loss drugs, including Mounjaro and Wegovy, as well as demand among its generation Alpha customer base for beauty products is driving expansion at Superdrug. The retailer plans to add 25 more stores to its 800-plus strong chain this year as well as extending existing outlets, despite troubles across the high street that have led to the closure of hundreds of stores at its rival Boots and downsizing at chains from Poundland to River Island. Superdrug is bouncing back from difficult times during the pandemic as demand for its weight-loss services soared almost 300% in the first half of this year compared with last year. While many of the drugs are ordered online via its private GP service, the retailer is looking at how it can adapt and expand in-store services to cater to demand so that its team of nurses can offer help with the potential side-effects such as hair loss, for example. More serious issues, including problems with the pancreas, have also been flagged in some cases. 'For us it is good that people are getting healthier and fitter and that is really important,' said Simon Comins, the chief commercial officer at Superdrug, but those taking the drugs may want 'social interaction in store' to help discuss any issues they encounter. Superdrug, once the downmarket and dowdy rival to Boots, is also capitalising on the growth in the beauty market and its appeal to gen Alpha – people born from 2010 onwards – who are looking for in-store experiences as they head to the high street after school and on weekends. The retailer has made a conscious effort to gain youth appeal, catering to the generations influenced by TikTok and Instagram. Its latest gambit is the 'beauty playground' – tables kitted out with testers of the latest hot products, mirrors and ring lights for flattering social media snaps designed to appeal to tweens and teens. 'Generation Alpha is our focus,' says Comins, touring the first of 30 planned beauty playgrounds in the group's Westfield store in Stratford, east London. 'They often come as a 'squad' and they like the opportunity to touch and feel the products.' As much as clicking [to buy] on TikTok is easy and convenient, people want to browse in real life.' Even on a hot June lunchtime, a steady stream of young women are posing in front of the mirrors and testing out the products. The store has been extended by taking over two neighbouring outlets to give more space for experiences including a brow and nail bar, and piercing service. It is part of efforts to draw shoppers into physical stores rather than just buying online. Other services that have been tried include barbers and hairdressers and trained hundreds of pharmacists who can offer free consultations on skin conditions such as acne – the kind of service it may be difficult to access via a GP. Comins says Superdrug has a team that scans social media to pick up on the latest popular brands and has brought many into store including Geek & Gorgeous, Starface acne stickers, BPerfect cosmetics and the colourful Daise body care range appeals to tweenagers. Industry insiders say the demand for beauty and cosmetics brand has even diverted spend from toys and other traditional products bought by not-quite teenagers. Liz Tan, a senior strategist at the trends advisory firm WGSN, says 'Zalpha', the fringe generation that threads between gen Z and Alphas, are leading the beauty craze 'having grown up immersed in social media, with influencers and creators promoting beauty products online. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'Beauty brands are also increasing, building and establishing brand awareness, affiliation and emotional connection through digital playgrounds in gaming worlds like Roblox,' she says. These youngsters are also getting into skincare regimes at a much younger age then previous generations as 'health-conscious Millennial parents emphasise routine building as part of their daily lives'. Alex Beckett, senior research director at market research firm Mintel, adds that young consumers are prompting their parents to spend. 'Thanks to their exposure to social media, YouTube and Netflix, gen Alphas are exposed to trends and dopamine-raising crazes intended for older adults, and they're emulating them – essentially becoming hyper-informed consumers at an early age.' For its older customers, Superdrug's push into weight-loss services comes as thousands of patients in England are from this week able to access weight-loss jabs via their family GP. But the NHS rollout is limited to 220,000 people with the 'greatest need' and many more people are prepared to pay for private access, so demand from high street and online chemists is expected to continue. Recent figures from its rival Boots also indicated strong growth in pharmacy sales – up 5.4%, while its online service increased sales almost 15% in the three months to end 31 May, although the group did not break out the contribution from weight-loss drugs. Analysts at GlobalData said the chain was benefiting from demand for treatments for skin conditions such as acne, as part of a wider trend – being encouraged by government policy – towards visiting the pharmacy before trying the GP. Superdrug, which is owned by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, is expanding after Debenhams – once one of the leading beauty retailers in the UK – left the high street and House of Fraser and John Lewis have closed stores.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside new Superdrug store where customers can test out products for FREE
They're offering 'exclusive products and beauty experiences you won't find anywhere else' SUPER DUPER Inside new Superdrug store where customers can test out products for FREE SUPERDRUG has just dropped its most exciting store yet and it's a hit for any beauty fanatics. The high street health and beauty giant has launched its brand new Beauty Playground at Westfield Stratford in London. Advertisement 2 Superdrug has opened a pop up store in Westfield Stratford 2 The 2025 'Beauty Playground' will allow customers to test out new products Gone are the days of sniffing samples and hoping for the best, now, shoppers can swatch, test and snap their way through a fairground of makeup and skincare, all without spending a penny. Packed with interactive displays, 'Try Me Tables', and glitzy social content stations complete with ring lights. You'll also find in-store brand ambassadors offering personalised beauty advice, demos, and top tips on the latest trending buys. The store officially opened this week, and Superdrug bosses say it's just the beginning. Advertisement The Beauty Playground will roll out across 30 of the retailer's top stores by next summer, including Manchester Trafford Centre, Glasgow Braehead, and Cardiff St David's. Simon Comins, Superdrug's chief commercial officer, said: 'The beauty shopper is crying out for immersive experiences – and we're giving them exactly that. 'With Beauty Playground, we're bringing the fun back into beauty, giving shoppers the chance to experiment, discover, and enjoy Superdrug like never before.' The mega makeover is all part of Superdrug's big plans to boost its bricks and mortar stores, while blending them seamlessly with online experiences. Advertisement And to top it off, Superdrug has teamed up with brands like Daise, Delhicious and Smuuti to offer exclusive products and beauty experiences you won't find anywhere else. Daise co-founder Jaimee Lupton called the partnership 'incredibly valuable' for bringing 'next-gen' beauty to the high street. Make-up fans race to snap up £5 Superdrug dupe of viral Huda powder, and save themselves £30 in the process It comes just after the retailer's Superdrug Superswap pop-up earlier this month, where bargain hunters bagged up to £500 worth of luxury beauty dupes for a fraction of the price. Among the must-have steals were Studio London's U Dew U Bronzing Drops for just £5 (saving £30 vs a high-end dupe). Advertisement It also included the cult-fave Artiscent Atelier fragrances, which were a mere £12 for scents that smell way more expensive. One shopper said: 'I couldn't believe how similar it was to the designer brand and it lasted all day. Total win.' The Superswap event highlighted more than 40 of Superdrug's best own-brand products, covering skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and toiletries, all proven to rival premium buys in tests and reviews. Superswap's best dupes The SuperSwap event introduced shoppers to swaps that could save them £500. SuperSwap Savings include: B. Cleanse Melting Cleansing Balm - £10 (£ 5 member price ) - Save £24 vs high end alternative* - Melts away dirt and impurities with this velvety soft balm which helps to remove every trace of make-up Melts away dirt and impurities with this velvety soft balm which helps to remove every trace of make-up Studio London U Dew U Bronzing Drops £5 - SAVE £30* - Enriched with coconut oil and niacinamide this hydrating formula gives a natural sun-kissed tint and healthy glow Enriched with coconut oil and niacinamide this hydrating formula gives a natural sun-kissed tint and healthy glow Artiscent Atelier Scents £12 - SAVE £233* - From sweet and musky to spicy and woody notes, these scents smell expensive and provide long lasting fragrance all day From sweet and musky to spicy and woody notes, these scents smell expensive and provide long lasting fragrance all day Studio London SuperBoost Tint Oil Cherry - SAVE £28* - A weightless, moisturising formula infused with nutrient-rich, upcycled raspberry seed oil to soften lips, leaving a high shine finish And if you missed out, don't panic, Superdrug is bringing back its 'Superdrug Presents' event in August, promising even more freebies and surprises. Advertisement TikTokers who attended last year's bash claimed they walked away with bags full of beauty goodies — including twenty lipsticks. It's not just Superdrug jumping on the experiential bandwagon either. Disney has also returned with a brand-new pop-up at Westfield White City, opening just days ago on June 20. The grand opening kicks off Saturday, June 28 with a full-blown Disney party, complete with free Mickey ears for the first 200 guests, roaming balloon artists, tattoo stations, and early access to the magical 'Once Upon a Story' dolls.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside new Superdrug store where customers can test out products for FREE
SUPERDRUG has just dropped its most exciting store yet and it's a hit for any beauty fanatics. The high street health and beauty giant has launched its brand new Beauty Playground at Westfield Stratford in London. 2 2 Gone are the days of sniffing samples and hoping for the best, now, shoppers can swatch, test and snap their way through a fairground of makeup and skincare, all without spending a penny. Packed with interactive displays, 'Try Me Tables', and glitzy social content stations complete with ring lights. You'll also find in-store brand ambassadors offering personalised beauty advice, demos, and top tips on the latest trending buys. The store officially opened this week, and Superdrug bosses say it's just the beginning. The Beauty Playground will roll out across 30 of the retailer's top stores by next summer, including Manchester Trafford Centre, Glasgow Braehead, and Cardiff St David's. Simon Comins, Superdrug's chief commercial officer, said: 'The beauty shopper is crying out for immersive experiences – and we're giving them exactly that. 'With Beauty Playground, we're bringing the fun back into beauty, giving shoppers the chance to experiment, discover, and enjoy Superdrug like never before.' The mega makeover is all part of Superdrug's big plans to boost its bricks and mortar stores, while blending them seamlessly with online experiences. And to top it off, Superdrug has teamed up with brands like Daise, Delhicious and Smuuti to offer exclusive products and beauty experiences you won't find anywhere else. Daise co-founder Jaimee Lupton called the partnership 'incredibly valuable' for bringing 'next-gen' beauty to the high street. Make-up fans race to snap up £5 Superdrug dupe of viral Huda powder, and save themselves £30 in the process It comes just after the retailer's Superdrug Superswap pop-up earlier this month, where bargain hunters bagged up to £500 worth of luxury beauty dupes for a fraction of the price. Among the must-have steals were Studio London's U Dew U Bronzing Drops for just £5 (saving £30 vs a high-end dupe). It also included the cult-fave Artiscent Atelier fragrances, which were a mere £12 for scents that smell way more expensive. One shopper said: 'I couldn't believe how similar it was to the designer brand and it lasted all day. Total win.' The Superswap event highlighted more than 40 of Superdrug's best own-brand products, covering skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and toiletries, all proven to rival premium buys in tests and reviews. Superswap's best dupes The SuperSwap event introduced shoppers to swaps that could save them £500. SuperSwap Savings include: B. Cleanse Melting Cleansing Balm - £10 (£ 5 member price) - Save £24 vs high end alternative* - Melts away dirt and impurities with this velvety soft balm which helps to remove every trace of make-up Studio London U Dew U Bronzing Drops £5 - SAVE £30* - Enriched with coconut oil and niacinamide this hydrating formula gives a natural sun-kissed tint and healthy glow Artiscent Atelier Scents £12 - SAVE £233* - From sweet and musky to spicy and woody notes, these scents smell expensive and provide long lasting fragrance all day Studio London SuperBoost Tint Oil Cherry - SAVE £28* - A weightless, moisturising formula infused with nutrient-rich, upcycled raspberry seed oil to soften lips, leaving a high shine finish And if you missed out, don't panic, Superdrug is bringing back its ' Superdrug Presents ' event in August, promising even more freebies and surprises. TikTokers who attended last year's bash claimed they walked away with bags full of beauty goodies — including twenty lipsticks. It's not just Superdrug jumping on the experiential bandwagon either. Disney has also returned with a brand-new pop-up at Westfield White City, opening just days ago on June 20. The grand opening kicks off Saturday, June 28 with a full-blown Disney party, complete with free Mickey ears for the first 200 guests, roaming balloon artists, tattoo stations, and early access to the magical 'Once Upon a Story' dolls.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Superdrug opens first permanent beauty playground, 29 more planned soon
Superdrug has announced the launch of 30 new 'Beauty Playgrounds' across the UK as it invests in more experiential features for its physical stores. The first one has opened this week at London's Westfield Stratford with the other 29 opening in Superdrug's top destination stores by August, including prime locations like Manchester Trafford Centre, Glasgow Braehead and Cardiff St David's. The retailer said the Beauty Playground concept comes with the mission of 'Beauty is our Duty' and 'goes far beyond a traditional shopping experience, acting as a hub of beauty discovery, where people can explore must-have brands, access beauty services, receive expert advice, and create content while they shop'. The launch also supports the acceleration of Superdrug's O+O (Offline plus Online) strategy, 'which aims to deliver a market-leading, integrated experience wherever and whenever customers choose to shop'. So what will Beauty Playground customers find? The stores have 'Try Me Tables' where visitors can try out the products; interactive fixtures showing off new and exclusive brands; social stations complete with ring lights for people to create beauty content; and brand ambassadors offering personalised guidance and demonstrations. The company is working with 'a string of innovative new and exclusive brands', including the mood-matching fragrance and bodycare brand Daise, award-winning natural skin and hair solutions brand Delihicious, and the Korean-inspired Smuuti that's something 0f a Tik Tok hit. Superdrug is clearly tapping into a trend for immersive pop-ups, concept stores and hybrid retail spaces that tend to be less permanent and more niche. But it's taking it to a very wide audience. It said it 'aims to meet ongoing customer desire with a retail experience that is permanently available and accessible to all areas of the country'. Of course, the concept also builds on the success of the retailer's annual beauty festival, Superdrug Presents. CCO Simon Comins said: 'The beauty shopper is crying out for immersive beauty experiences, but often they find that what they encounter is either temporary or not keeping pace with the latest innovations the industry has to offer. 'With Beauty Playground, we're reimagining what a joyful and innovative beauty experience could and should be, whilst offering a space where customers can discover, learn, experiment, create, and connect with brands and services that meet their unique needs.'
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Superdrug opens first permanent beauty playground, 29 more planned soon
Superdrug has announced the launch of 30 new 'Beauty Playgrounds' across the UK as it invests in more experiential features for its physical stores. The first one has opened this week at London's Westfield Stratford with the other 29 opening in Superdrug's top destination stores by August, including prime locations like Manchester Trafford Centre, Glasgow Braehead and Cardiff St David's. The retailer said the Beauty Playground concept comes with the mission of 'Beauty is our Duty' and 'goes far beyond a traditional shopping experience, acting as a hub of beauty discovery, where people can explore must-have brands, access beauty services, receive expert advice, and create content while they shop'. The launch also supports the acceleration of Superdrug's O+O (Offline plus Online) strategy, 'which aims to deliver a market-leading, integrated experience wherever and whenever customers choose to shop'. So what will Beauty Playground customers find? The stores have 'Try Me Tables' where visitors can try out the products; interactive fixtures showing off new and exclusive brands; social stations complete with ring lights for people to create beauty content; and brand ambassadors offering personalised guidance and demonstrations. The company is working with 'a string of innovative new and exclusive brands', including the mood-matching fragrance and bodycare brand Daise, award-winning natural skin and hair solutions brand Delihicious, and the Korean-inspired Smuuti that's something 0f a Tik Tok hit. Superdrug is clearly tapping into a trend for immersive pop-ups, concept stores and hybrid retail spaces that tend to be less permanent and more niche. But it's taking it to a very wide audience. It said it 'aims to meet ongoing customer desire with a retail experience that is permanently available and accessible to all areas of the country'. Of course, the concept also builds on the success of the retailer's annual beauty festival, Superdrug Presents. CCO Simon Comins said: 'The beauty shopper is crying out for immersive beauty experiences, but often they find that what they encounter is either temporary or not keeping pace with the latest innovations the industry has to offer. 'With Beauty Playground, we're reimagining what a joyful and innovative beauty experience could and should be, whilst offering a space where customers can discover, learn, experiment, create, and connect with brands and services that meet their unique needs.'
