Superdrug sales rise 5.2% despite subdued footfall on UK high streets

By Lynsey Barber | Published: 6-Jul-2026

Profits at the AS-Watson-owned UK health and beauty retailer also increased, with both bricks-and-mortar and online channels delivering results for Superdrug

Superdrug’s sales grew 5.2% in 2025 to £1.7bn despite subdued footfall and price conscious shoppers on the high street.

The UK health and beauty retailer reported pre-tax profit of £144.1m for the financial year ending 27 December 2025, up 5.3% from £136.8m the previous year, driven by both physical stores and online channels.

Operating profit at the AS Watson-owned business hit £154.7m, up 7% from £144.2m in 2024, and operating margin improved from 8.8% to 9%.

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The results mark Superdrug’s fifth consecutive year of growth, however, sales growth slowed compared to 2024 when sales soared 7%.

“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,” said Peter Macnab, CEO of AS Watson Health and Beauty, UK and ROI.

“These results demonstrate the strength of our customer proposition and the continued relevance of Superdrug’s service and offering.

In 2025, Superdrug opened 22 new stores, including a nearly 10,000sqft shop in Westfield White City, London, and refurbished 45 existing locations.

Further physical expansion is planned with a focus on retail parks in 2026, the company said in a statement.

Superdrug also hailed the successful launch of its ‘Beauty Playground’ concept, which are “hubs of discovery”, at 27 of its biggest locations, as well as its ‘Offline plus Online’ strategy (O+O).

This strategy includes the roll out of 500 digital screens across its store estate, designed to help bridge the gap “between digital discovery and in-store conversion”, Superdrug said in the statement.

New names on Superdrug’s shelves also helped boost sales, such as Australian make-up brand MCoBeauty and Gen Zalpha-focused make-up brand Trouble Maker.

Plus, the launch of 400 K-beauty products and a partnership with the UK’s K-Beauty specialist retailer Pureseoul.

Superdrug’s own-brand offerings also went “from strength-to-strength”, the beauty retailer added.

This included the launch of its science-led skin care brand Optimum Peptide, Dew Dream Glow Filters backed by Studio London Ambassador Princess Andre, and new teen skin care range POP, which was launched in partnership with model Lexi Hughes.

On the health side of the business, demand for Superdrug’s weight loss services grew 300% in the first half of the year, and the retailer introduced a hair health blood test service, which it claims is a first on UK high streets.

“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,” said Macnab.

“Our position and ambition are clear – to remain the most-loved destination for accessible health and beauty in the UK.”