Two big name retailers are looking to invest in new stores over the coming months.

Superdrug, which has stores in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester and Stroud, has unveiled plans to open 25 new stores this year, as reported by Retail Gazette.

The new stores are expected to create at least 570 new jobs.

Store openings for the health and beauty retailer include some larger stores in Manchester and London, offering customers an extensive range of beauty treatments, as well as access to healthcare services through nurse clinics and pharmacies.

Superdrug will also be refitting 70 of its older stores, including new shops fronts and improved flooring and ceilings.

And Bensons for Bens has also revealed plans to expand its store portfolio.

The retailer, which has a store in Gloucester, plans to invest significantly in its retail estate over the next two years, re-entering markets and opening new catchments, as it builds a network of up to 200 locations.

Bensons for Beds previously had a store in Cheltenham, so the plans could see it make a return to the town.

The retailer has just revealed a 9% rise in like-for-like sales for the three months to the end of March.

Punchline said: "Is this the beginning of a new trend for retailers? Superdrug and Bensons for Beds obviously see the benefit in shoppers being able to get back out to the high streets and retail parks, to be able to see and touch things before buying. Will we see more retailers following their lead later in the year?"

Image credit: Google Images 2017