Wickes prepares to pile on the pressure with Extra store push

DIY retailer Wickes plans a total of 100 Extra stores in a push that could pile the pressure on B&Q at the heavy end of the market.

At present, Wickes has just one of the large Extra outlets, in Barking, Essex. At 60,000 sq ft (5,575 sq m) it is twice the size of an average Wickes store and carries an additional 2,000 lines.

The 150-store retailer will seek to hit its Extra target via conversion of stores from sister chain Focus, as well as extensions and new openings. No timescale has been given, but the changes will take place over the next few years.

Wickes managing director Richard Bird said: 'There is potential for up to 100 Wickes Extra outlets. We are pleased with the format and want to roll out as many as we can to the right catchment areas.'

Bird added that the retailer will convert 50 Focus stores in urban locations to either Wickes Extra or the traditional Wickes format by 2006.

Wickes will open its second Extra in Taunton, Somerset, next February, and plans to convert the 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) Focus Wickes Warehouse in Glasgow to the format. Bird said the decision to axe the dual-branded store type was because of difficulties managing two brands and product ranges under a single roof.

B&Q was not concerned with Wickes' expansion plans. A spokeswoman said: 'Competition is good for the market and Wickes' move doesn't have any impact on our own plans to roll out the Warehouse offer up and down the country.'