Superdrug's Leicester Flagship Boosts Retail and Jobs
The competitive landscape of beauty retail continues to intensify, with Superdrug marking a significant move by opening its latest flagship store at Highcross Leicester. This expansive new outlet, spanning 8,800 sq ft on the lower level of the popular mall, is designed to showcase Superdrug’s extensive array of beauty, health, and wellness products. It features the brand's most recent store format, including a dedicated section for premium fragrances, alongside its highly popular in-store Beauty Studio, which offers convenient threading and waxing services. This strategic expansion also serves as a boost to the local economy, generating 60 new job opportunities within the community.
Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug, articulated the company’s vision behind this significant investment. She stated that “This spacious location reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in physical retail, enabling us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to shoppers.” This highlights Superdrug's confidence in the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar retail experiences, particularly in a vibrant shopping destination like Highcross Leicester.
The arrival of Superdrug further enriches Highcross Leicester’s already impressive and expanding roster of health and beauty brands. The centre currently hosts a diverse mix, ranging from premium-end retailers like Jo Malone and Clarins to popular mass-market brands such as Lush. In recent months, this dynamic offer has seen substantial growth, with Space NK making its city debut in a 3,000 sq ft unit, also on the lower level, and Rituals similarly establishing a new presence within the scheme.
These strategic openings are indicative of Highcross Leicester’s robust leasing momentum throughout 2025, successfully attracting more trusted beauty names to its tenant mix. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director, commented on the positive impact, stating, “Superdrug joining our retail line-up strengthens our already dynamic beauty offer, which has seen phenomenal demand this year.” She further added that this opening “reflects the ongoing confidence that leading brands have in our destination, marking another important step in our vision to enhance the shopping experience and appeal to a widespread demographic,” underscoring the centre's broad catchment and diverse audience.
Beyond the flourishing beauty sector, Highcross Leicester continues to reinforce its position as a premier retail destination. These recent arrivals follow other significant developments, such as retail giant H&M’s reopening of a refitted 24,400 sq ft store. The centre boasts a formidable fashion portfolio, featuring leading brands like Zara, Mango, Next, and Urban Outfitters, all powerfully anchored by a 230,000 sq ft John Lewis, solidifying its appeal across various retail categories.
