Superdrug is partnering with Jack Monroe, the poverty campaigner and activist, to help customers make smart choices in beauty and personal care shopping.
The AS Watson-owned retailer’s Shop Smart campaign is a response to the current cost of living crisis, which has seen 80% of Superdrug customers switching to cheaper brands.
“There’s been a lot of discussion recently around soaring energy costs and rising food bills, and the cost of toiletries and personal care essentials are also rising steeply, which leaves many people unable to afford the basics needed for personal health hygiene and dignity,” said Monroe.
“It’s embarrassing to not be able to afford things that others might take for granted, like soap, tampons, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, and hygiene poverty is fast becoming a hidden impact of the cost of living crisis.
“That’s why the work Superdrug is doing here is so needed and I hope that by sharing some ‘Shop Smart’ tips together that we can help in some small way.”
A food writer, journalist and activist, Monroe rose to prominence via her blog A Girl Called Jack, now named Cooking on a Bootstrap, sharing recipes for family meals costing less than £10 per week.
Price Freeze Promise expanded
Superdrug will also be adding 30 products to its Price Freeze Promise, reassuring shoppers that its own brand product prices won’t increase for at least a year.
A total of 130 items are now included under the promise.
To support the financial wellbeing of its employees, Superdrug is giving its staff a minimum of 30% off own brand items and 10% off branded products.
The retailer has further promised to discount more areas of everyday spending.
It said its fuel reimbursement for employees has moved to above the HMRC advisory rate, and the taxable element will be covered to better support those who travel for work.
In addition, it intends to offer teams bespoke webinars covering pensions, budgeting and financial wellbeing.
“Superdrug’s vision has always been to make health and beauty accessible to all,” said Simon Comins, Chief Commercial Officer at Superdrug.
“With rising cost of living, we wanted to act quickly to ensure our colleagues are well looked after and our customers well supported.
“We don’t believe shoppers should have to compromise when it comes to their health and beauty purchases, so our Price Freeze Promise is committed for a year on 130 Own Brand essential items.
“Despite rising cost of goods, we also remain committed to offering all of our customers discounted Star Buys and our Health and Beautycard users, member only pricing.”
Today’s announcements follow Superdrug’s four-year charity partnership with hygiene poverty charity Beauty Banks, which has been built on this month with the introduction of a Buy One, Bank One scheme to help increase product donations.
