Holland & Barrett is forging ahead with plans to expand its travel hub stores across the UK, riding on previous successes.

• The health and wellness retailer is looking to experiment with new formats, particularly in high-traffic areas like stations.
• Five stores have already been classified under travel categories, demonstrating clear viability and success.
• A trial of a new kiosk format is underway in Dublin, indicating potential for adaptable store models.
• A recent partnership with Next is part of a broader strategy to increase in-store presence across different retail environments.

Holland & Barrett is taking decisive steps to broaden its retail footprint within travel hubs throughout the United Kingdom. The health and wellness giant is capitalising on the success of its current travel-based stores, specifically those located in high-demand areas like London Bridge, which has shown substantial customer engagement. Nick Gerrard, the retailer’s property and format director, underscored this point by highlighting travel as an ‘early opportunity’ that has yielded encouraging results.

Gerrard further remarked on the uneven distribution of opportunities across various travel locations, expressing the company’s aspiration to enter more sites, provided there is a fitting offer. The retailer’s strategy includes not just expansion in existing formats but also innovation in new kinds of setups to suit these dynamic environments.

The company’s venture into alternative formats is exemplified by its latest initiative—a kiosk model that is currently being trialled at Dublin’s Jervis Centre. This approach aims to assess the adaptability and appeal of compact store designs in bustling settings, potentially setting a precedent for further implementations across other locations.

In addition to the independent travel stores, Holland & Barrett has strategically diversified its presence by embedding shop-in-shop concepts within larger retail environments. A notable example is the recent collaboration with the retail giant Next, which has seen three of its stores integrate Holland & Barrett outlets. This collaboration signifies a strategic effort to bridge various consumer needs by providing accessible wellness solutions within a larger shopping context.

With a multi-faceted expansion plan, Holland & Barrett is poised to significantly enhance its presence in travel and various retail environments, promising wider accessibility to consumers.