DIY chain, Wickes, has posted its fastest growth of the year, with group revenue up 4.5% to £439m in the 13 weeks to 26th September 2026. Like-for-like sales rose 4%, a sharp step up from 0.3% in the first quarter and 1% in the second.
Almost all of that growth came from Retail, which serves DIYers and tradespeople through 231 stores. Retail revenue climbed 6% to £331m, with like-for-like sales up 5.6% as more customers bought in greater volumes. Timber, flooring, roofing and garden products all gained market share. The very wet weather may have been to blame for a weak start to the year, potentially opening the doors for a catch-up during the UK’s long, hot, dry summer.
The retailer’s trade customers were the main engine behind the rapid growth as sales through TradePro, Wickes’ scheme for local trade professionals, rose 8%, and active membership grew to 684,000. DIY sales grew at a mid-single-digit rate.
David Wood, Chief Executive of Wickes, said:
“We’ve delivered a strong third quarter, with growth accelerating across Retail as more customers choose Wickes for their home improvement projects. Our continued market share gains demonstrate the strength of our value-led proposition and our ability to outperform in a competitive market. With good momentum across the business, we remain on track to deliver market expectations for full-year profit.”
Design and Installation, where Wickes plans and fits kitchens and bathrooms, is a different matter. Revenue there only edged up 0.3% to £108m and like-for-like sales actually slipped 0.6%. Project numbers held flat, but the value of its Bespoke range orders fell as the cost-of-living crisis continued to bite and customers remained more careful about larger purchases. Lifestyle Kitchens, the more affordable range, and Bespoke Bathrooms are still growing.
This sharp growth will undoubtedly help fuel Wickes’ continued expansion plans, with five new stores and 12 refits planned this year. In September it announced plans to top 300 stores overall.
