Wickes picks up speed in the second quarter

Sales figures for British DIY chain Wickes picked up significantly in the second quarter. Compared to the same period last year, total sales rose by 7.7 percent to reach a volume of GBP 471.9 mio (Euro 541.0 mio). Like-for-like growth was 6.9 per cent.

At 8.3 per cent (7.9 per cent like-for-like), pure retail sales performed better than the project business in the Design & Installation division, reaching GBP 359.4 mio (Euro 412.0 mio). Here, there was an increase of 5.7 per cent (3.5 per cent) to GBP 112.5 mio (Euro 129.0 mio). Within the retail division, the Trade Pro segment, i.e. the professional business, grew particularly strongly, according to the company.

Total revenue for the first half of the year amounted to GBP 847.9 mio (Euro 972.2 mio). This corresponds to growth of 5.6 per cent (4.5 per cent).

Wickes still plans to open five to seven new stores in the current year, four of…