Superdrug to launch marketplace for premium and start-up beauty brands to “democratise” the market

Superdrug is set to launch a health and beauty marketplace which will showcase hundreds of new premium beauty brands as well as give a platform to more sustainable, gender-neutral and black-owned companies to help democratise the beauty market.

Superdrug Marketplace is set to launch in September, and it will be a “space for diverse innovators and [will] remove barriers to entry”, says the company, helping those without suitable infrastructure to sell their products nationally.  

The health and beauty retailer will work with independent creators to help bring these new and under-the-radar brands to their customers on a nationwide platform, which will be integrated into Superdrug’s existing website. 

Superdrug is asking brands who may have dismissed the possibility of a listing to get in touch to discuss featuring on the marketplace, and the company says it will focus on working with female-owned, gender-neutral and black-owned brands – especially as it continues to build on its “Shades of You” commitment to diversity and inclusion in retail. 

“The Superdrug Marketplace will be a vital step for our business as we look to strengthen further our role in H&B retail and start to build into new associated categories. We’ve been looking at ways to bring innovative and growing brands into our business more quickly and in the appropriate way to test consumer reaction,” says Matt Walburn, customer, marketing, and online director at Superdrug. 

“This is a crucial next step in bolstering our online and offline strategy; marketplace inventory will eventually be available to purchase virtually instore as well as online.  

“This launch will make a listing with Superdrug now possible for more up-and-coming brands and give our customers a wider range to enjoy, from luxury to trending beauty and wellness hacks.”

A couple of years ago the health and beauty store launched its Botox and filler clinic Skin Renew Service, in partnership with Allergan. 

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