Superdrug Christmas trading boosted by in-store treatments and piercings

Peter Macnab, chief executive, said he was ‘exceptionally pleased to be reporting strong Christmas results’.

Henry Saker-Clark
Monday 15 January 2024 12:46 GMT
Superdrug saw sales rise more than 9% in December (Mike Egerton/PA)
Superdrug saw sales rise more than 9% in December (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

In-store beauty treatments and piercings helped spark strong Christmas trading at Superdrug as customers looked to get party ready.

Peter Macnab, chief executive of the brand, said he was “exceptionally pleased to be reporting strong Christmas results” amid pressure on customers’ budgets from the higher cost of living.

Superdrug reported that total sales grew by 9.2% over the four weeks to December 30, with like-for-like growth of 7.1% for the festive trading period.

It highlighted particularly strong demand for cosmetics products during the month, with its own Studio London brand helping to drive a 20% sales increase in the category.

We understand the pressures customers are currently facing

Peter Macnab, Superdrug chief executive

Fragrances and oral care also saw strong trading, the retailer added.

Superdrug also cheered its pop-in beauty treatments and piercings within stories, following significant investment in this area.

It said piercings saw 54% growth in December compared with the same month in 2022, having expanded the service to around 500 shops.

The Beauty Studio operation within stores, which also offers services such as eyebrow threading, saw 20% growth year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the company said own-brand sales rose by around a tenth as shoppers sought more affordable products.

Mr Macnab said: “We understand the pressures customers are currently facing and are committed to supporting them and offering the very best in accessible health and beauty.

“The strong sales growth in own brand really demonstrates that customers are seeking quality products from a brand that they can trust, at an affordable price.

“Our continued investment into expanding the store estate and digital services, as well as in innovation, remains imperative and has helped contribute to an increase in sales throughout the December period.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues for all of their hard work in bringing such a fantastic and competitive offering to shoppers and for their contribution to these results.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in