Superdrug to the rescue? (SuperDrug)

Member Name: wendz86

Product:	SuperDrug
Date:	24/06/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good range of products, convenient, cheap products

Disadvantages: Doesn't have luxury ranges and no loyalty scheme

Superdrug is a shop that I always used to shop in as a teenager. I could buy all my make up and toiletries there for cheap and it was a useful shop. Fast forward to now and it just seems to have lost appeal to me.

Superdrug is a meidum sized store that is quite similar to Boots in the way that it sells toiletries, make-up and lunch products. It is though quite a different store to Boots and while Boots is always my first stop for toiletires, Superdrug doesn't really get a look in for me.

Superdrug is what the Americans tend to call a drugstore, hence the name! It sells medicines, toiletries from shampoos to bubble bath, make up, perfume, baby products and some food products amongst others. There is a pharmacy in some of the stores that I have been in but in others they do not have this. This is obviously quite a useful service if you need to pick up a prescription or need a behind the counter drug.

The size of the store is medium and all the stores I have been have been a similar size so I think this is the same in all their stores. They have a few aisles and all the similar products are laid out together. In the store I visit most on Tottenham Court Road they have two till areas near the entrance to the store. On the left hand side when you immediately walk in there is an area where they sell drinks, snacks and sandwiches. This is quite convenient if you are just popping in for a drink or something as you don't need to walk all the way round the store to get it. All of the make up stands are as you would usually see them in a store like this or a supermarket. Each one will be signed as to what brand it is and then all the products laid out for you to choose from. In the store where I usually go there is a perfume counter where you can ask the shop attendant for a smell of the perfume and to purchase it as well.

The store does sell a lot of products. If you are looking for toiletries in particular it is likely to have the product that you are looking for. Some of its ranges though are a lot less extensive than those in Boots and some other stores. One example of this is the make up ranges. I find the make up in Super market to be more of the every day brands rather than the luxury brands. While this is obviously good if you are looking for these brands but I often like to purchase make up from Benefit and Mac and so can't buy these products in this shop. The perfume range is also from the less luxurious range.

One positive I would say about Superdrug is their prices. They are often cheaper than Boots even if it is just by a little bit. They also often have price reductions on items so certain items will be especially cheap. There are often posters outside which can occassionally be quite tempting with the offers that they show.

One thing that they do not have though,which is probably the main reason that I choose to shop in Boots more, is that they do not have a loyalty scheme. I know that loyalty schemes are not that great always and it is probably better to just buy cheaper products. I do love the Boots Advantage card though as it allows me to save up money throughout the year for a treat for myself or to get presents at christmas. I think if Superdrug did a loyalty scheme like that I would be more likely to use it but obviously they focus on trying to get lower prices.

The staff tend to be OK in the stores that I have been in. Not overly helpful but then I am normally just popping in to buy a bottle of coke so don't expect amazing service. What I do find annoying, but isn't the cashiers fault, is when they have to ask you if you want to buy stamps or phone top ups when you are at the till. This has obviously been forced on them by higher forces but can be a little annoying, as I am sure it is for them. If I wanted stamps or phone credit I would ask for it. At least I know the option is there now though.

They also have quite annoying till receipts as you get the normal receipt and then one with a 10% voucher. I usually throw this away as you need to spend at least £10 pounds, which I never do in this store. This could be useful to some people though.

The store recently did a promotion where if you bought in old toiletries that you don't want anymore they gave you 10% off new ones. I am not sure how well this worked but it wouldn't be a big enough incentive for me.

Overall Superdrug is a reasonable store that has a lot of products. It is just in the unfortunate position of having Boots as it's competition which seems to have it all right.

Summary: A reasonable store for your toiletry needs