Wickes reports significantly higher growth rates

The British DIY chain Wickes has reported significantly higher growth in the third quarter. Following growth rates of 1.8 per cent in the first quarter and 2.3 per cent in the second, the DIY retailer recorded a year-on-year increase of 4.5 per cent for July to September; turnover amounted to GBP 439 mio (EUR 519.3 mio).

This growth was driven almost exclusively by the retail division. Here, turnover grew by 6.0 per cent to GBP 331 mio (EUR 391.5 mio). On a like-for-like basis, this still represents an increase of 5.6 per cent. Within the retail division, the professional segment – known as ‘Wickes Trade Pro’ – proved to be the growth driver, contributing an 8 per cent increase in the third quarter.

By contrast, the Design & Installation division stagnated, with growth of just 0.3 per cent to GBP 108 mio (EUR 127.7 mio). On a like-for-like basis, there was actually a decline of 0.6 per…