Holland & Barrett Plans Aggressive Expansion with 50 New UK Stores
Health and beauty retailer Holland & Barrett is gearing up for significant expansion in the UK, with plans to open 50 new stores across the country in 2025. This ambitious growth strategy will see the retailer open one new shop per week throughout the year, adding to its existing network of 715 stores.
The company’s expansion plans are focused on strategically expanding its presence in retail parks and supermarkets, capitalizing on the high foot traffic and customer reach these locations offer. Nick Gerrard, property and format director at Holland & Barrett, highlighted the company’s desire for accessibility, stating, “We want Holland & Barrett to be accessible.” He further explained the rationale behind targeting retail parks, citing the availability of space within existing stores like Tesco and Next. These partnerships allow Holland & Barrett to capitalize on shared customer bases and offer a more diverse shopping experience within the retail park environment.
While Holland & Barrett’s typical store size is around 1,600 sq ft, the company is exploring opportunities in larger spaces within retail parks that reach around 6,000 sq ft. This move suggests a potential shift towards a larger store format, offering a wider range of products and services. Gerrard further confirmed the company is in active discussions with potential partners to explore further opportunities within these strategic locations.
Beyond retail parks and supermarkets, Holland & Barrett is also targeting travel hubs as part of its expansion strategy. The retailer has already launched a new kiosk-style format, currently being trialled in Dublin, and is looking to replicate this success in London and other major travel destinations. The company believes the convenience and accessibility of travel hubs offer a prime opportunity to reach a wider audience, particularly travelers seeking health and beauty products.
This aggressive expansion strategy reflects Holland & Barrett’s commitment to growth and reinforces its position as a leading player in the health and beauty retail sector. The company’s focus on strategically chosen locations and innovative formats suggests a clear vision for the future and a determination to meet the evolving needs of its customers.