Superdrug planning a new store in south Belfast

SUPERDRUG looks set to expand and open a new shop at the site of a Poundland store in south Belfast.

The company is likely to take on a unit at Boucher Retail Park that is currently home to the discount shop.

That’s according to freshly submitted plans, which include new Superdrug signs across the building.

Superdrug, which has around 20 stores in Northern Ireland, is planning to take on the 6,700 sq ft unit amid plans to develop the site.

But Poundland currently remains open and trading. It’s not yet clear when it will vacate the premises.

Superdrug and Poundland did not respond in time when contacted for comment.

It comes after the owner of high street chains Superdrug, The Perfume Shop and Savers revealed last month that it was set to create over 1,000 new jobs over the next year as it presses ahead with expansion plans.

Superdrug plans to open 30 new stores, Savers 45 and The Perfume Shop 13 after the firms reported stellar growth last year, defying the gloom hanging over much of the high street.

Under the plans, approximately 600 jobs will be created at Superdrug, 450 at discount health and beauty firm Savers and 78 at The Perfume Shop.

The businesses are owned by AS Watson, which is ultimately controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing.

Superdrug had a 41% rise in pre-tax profits to £80.4m in 2016, with sales up 10.4% and like-for-like sales up 7.8%.