Superdrug this week reported online sales up by more than 50% in a year that saw it expand its online business to Ireland.
The update came as Superdrug, part of the A.S. Watson Group and a Leading retailer in IRUK Top500 research, filed accounts at Companies House for the year to December 26 2015. Operating profits came in at £62.2m during the year, 62.4% up on the £38.3m reported in 2014. Sales were 5.4% ahead, or 6.6% on a like-for-like basis, which strips out the effect of store openings and closures.
Superdrug.com grew strongly, driven by services including the Superdrug Online Doctor service, which dispenses products direct to customers’ doors or nearby stores. Superdrug Opticians also offered an online service, with services including order and collect from more than 800 stores. Superdrug.com also started to deliver to the Republic of Ireland for the first time.
Its Health & Beautycard customer loyalty programme had seven million members by the end of the year. They receive free online delivery, special member pricing and bespoke deals. The proportion of online sales made by members grew by 5%.
Peter Macnab, chief executive of A.S. Watson Health & Beauty UK, said: “We have had a strong year and are pleased with the company’s performance. We believe the service offered in our stores is key, whether it’s our experts offering beauty and health services, or advice given about the latest products.
“We’ve also continued to invest in our store colleagues, to give them the tools they need to offer the best service and give great advice. We are delighted that Superdrug is now recognised as a top 20 UK company for customer service.
“Looking to the future our strategy remains to offer customers everyday accessible health and beauty, giving them the products they are looking for at great prices, in a vibrant store environment.”
Sales of makeup and beauty accessories grew by 11%, while the fragrance category also grew quickly.
Superdrug is currently refurbishing its 787 stores, and opened seven new stores in 2015. More are scheduled to open in 2016. In-store, the retailer expanded its range of health and beauty and travel vaccination services. The second Superdrug Wellbeing store opened in Watford.
