UK health and beauty retailer Superdrug updates on Hanshow powered digital store roll-out

Hanshow has notched up a milestone in its digital store collaboration with Superdrug.

In a LinkedIn post, Hanshow said: “As Superdrug continues to strengthen execution and consistency across its store estate, in‑store digitalisation has become a key enabler. Through this partnership, we are supporting Superdrug with a scalable digital shelf infrastructure built on our ESLs.”

The roll-out is progressing in phases. As of 2025, 51 stores were live, with a further 90 locations planned for roll-out in 2026, including new store openings. Upon completion, the programme will span more than 1.7 million ESL units across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Beyond the shop floor, the solution also supports back of store workflows, including pick by light operations, helping teams work faster and more efficiently.

Hanshow concluded: “Big congratulations to the Superdrug team on this next step in their digital journey. We’re proud to support their disciplined, long‑term approach to modernising store operations, and excited to keep building together.”

2026

Superdrug recently announced plans to open 30 new stores in 2026, extending its footprint across the UK. The expansion will create approximately 600 new jobs.

It says that it continues to see strong customer demand for experience led physical retail as it invests in large format destination stores and retail park locations.

Confirmed openings on new sites include Dundee Gallagher Retail Park, Kilmarnock Retail Park, East Kilbride, Strathkelvin Retail Park and Linwood Phoenix Retail Park in Scotland; White Rose Leeds, Crawley, Waterlooville Retail Park, Newport Retail Park, Isle of Wight in England; Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales.

Each new store will be designed to immerse, inform and engage customers, with the aim of offering far more than a traditional health and beauty shop. Superdrug’s latest experience stores allow customers to discover trending beauty brands, access expert advice and get treatments such as ear piercing, manicures and eyebrow threading at Superdrug Beauty Studios.

Alongside new openings, plans are afoot to do 60 store refits during 2026.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.