Wickes has bucked the tough trading conditions in the UK DIY market, posting strong sales for the 48 weeks to December 1.

In a trading statement from parent Travis Perkins, Wickes said total sales for the period rose y 9.4 per cent.

Wickes’ like-for-like sales over the 48 weeks climbed 5.4 per cent, with core products up 7.7 per cent, but showroom sales were down 5.7 per cent.

In the 11 months to the end of November, Travis Perkins opened six Wickes stores, increasing its gross selling space by 6.9 per cent and acquired 31-store chain Tile Giant.

On Travis Perkins' overall prospects, group chief executive Geoff Cooper said: “While we anticipate lower growth in the immediate period ahead we have shown we can out-perform the competition and expect to continue to take further market share.”