Huge beauty chain with 800 branches closes city centre store forever – and popular bakery could be taking its place
A HUGE beauty chain with 800 branches has closed a city centre store for the last time.
Locals in Oxford have been wandering who will occupy the unit vacated by Superdrug on Cowley Road.
The shop closed its doors for the final time on July 27 for the last time, leading to speculation as to whom will occupy it.
There have been reports that Greggs could move into the now empty unit. The Sun approached the company for comment.
A spokesperson for the retailer thanked the customers who had supported the business in Cowley Road.
Superdrug has other stores in Templars Square and at the Westgate shopping centre.
The company made it clear only one store closed, and that the business was unaffected.
The spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Cowley Road Superdrug store closed on July 27.
“All team members were offered positions in other stores and have been supported in finding alternative positions in the local area.
“We want to thank all of our customers for their support and in the meantime the closest stores to shop are located at Templars Square, Cowley and Westgate shopping centre, Oxford.”
Superdrug recently cut the ribbon on the new-look branch in Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford.
The London branch has been refitted and is now double in size – measuring 9,890 square feet.
The store expansion has also seen a further 25 members of permanent staff taken on.
Nigel Duxbury, property director at Superdrug, said: “We are delighted to be opening an even bigger store at Westfield Stratford, making it the largest Superdrug store in the UK.
“We are confident that local customers will be excited by the new store offering and enjoy our ranges of popular health and beauty brands, luxury fragrance counter and professional Beauty Studio.”
The chain announced plans to open 25 new branches before the end of the year.
Superdrug also announced plans to extend seven existing stores and refurbish 60 more throughout 2024.
Stores will also be upgraded with energy-efficient LED lighting, new floor layouts and upgraded fascia and internal signage.