Wickes sees strong growth as shoppers seek timber and garden fixes

This took retail revenues to £634.4m and overall group revenues to £847.9m, a 4.5% like-for-like increase. Wickes’ design and installation business saw a slight like-for-like contraction of 1% during the period (although revenues increased during Q2). 

Wickes said that the increased retail demand was driven by an increase in volumes rather than pricing. Timber, garden maintenance and decorating were highlighted as the standout categories during the period. Sunny weather was also cited as a driving factor in strong April to June trading. 

The company’s trade retail business, TradePro, recorded a 10% sales increase year-on-year. There are now 615,000 TradePro members. 

Wickes chief executive David Wood said: “In the first half of the year we have gone from strength to strength, with increased sales and record market share.”

“Retail sales have grown again, driven by volumes, as more people shop with us, both in-store and online. In Design & Installation, the actions we took to improve the customer proposition are driving project order volumes and as a result we have returned to sales growth.”

The company said it remains comfortable with a consensus estimate of £48.3m for adjusted profit before tax in 2025. 

It has five to seven new stores planned for 2025, with four of these former Homebase stores.