Superdrug Set for U.K. Expansion
LONDON — Superdrug is souping up its High Street presence.
The A.S. Watson-owned health and beauty retailer plans to open at least 35 new stores in the U.K. this year, according to a statement from the company.
The 14.6 million pound, or $25.9 million at current exchange, investment program also includes the completion of a refurbishment plan for its 720 doors.
“As we start the new year, we’re confident in our formula for growth and that’s why we’ll be opening a brand new or re-branded store for Superdrug customers every single week this year,” said Euan Sutherland, managing director of the chain, in the statement.
Superdrug, which is the U.K.’s second-largest beauty and health retailer behind Boots the Chemist, said it also plans to double its door count in central London and to enter the Republic of Ireland this year.
A.S. Watson, the world’s largest perfumery cosmetics seller, has been ramping up its international expansion of late, acquiring France’s Marionnaud Parfumeries, Russia’s Spektr Group, the Netherlands’ Portegies drugstores and Malaysia’s Apex Pharmacy.
The Superdrug expansion plan comes as Boots works through a proposed merger with Alliance UniChem to create Alliance Boots, which will be Europe’s leading retail pharmacy chain comprising almost 2,700 doors.
— Brid Costello
DDF Names Hawley CEO
NEW YORK — Doctors Dermatologic Formula named Joseph S. Hawley president and chief executive officer on Tuesday. Hawley succeeds Joe Contorno, a co-founder of DDF, who will become vice chairman. Hawley’s experience includes positions at Avon Products Inc., where he served as group vice president of the U.S. Beauty division and Global Supply Chain, as well as vice president and general manager of the Avon Jewelry division. Earlier in his career, Hawley was vice president for the Erno Laszlo Institute and vice president of sales and marketing for Liz Claiborne Jewelry. DDF, which is based in Yonkers, N.Y., is majority-owned by North Castle Partners, a private equity firm.
— Andrea Nagel