Wickes delivers second-quarter sales growth and maintains full-year expectations

Wickes store

Wickes (LSE:WIX) reported revenue growth of 2.3% during the second quarter of 2026, with like-for-like sales increasing across both its Retail and Design & Installation businesses. The home improvement retailer said trading remains in line with expectations and management continues to expect full-year adjusted profit before tax to meet current market forecasts.

Retail sales returned to growth during the quarter, rising 1.8% year on year as higher customer numbers and increased sales volumes drove performance. TradePro sales climbed 6%, supported by continued engagement from professional trade customers and growing use of the company’s digital platforms. Meanwhile, the Design & Installation division recorded its fifth consecutive quarter of delivered sales growth, although demand for bespoke kitchens remained relatively subdued.

Wickes continued to outperform the wider home improvement market during the first half, increasing market share through its value-focused proposition and ongoing investment in customer experience, digital capabilities and store improvements. The company is also progressing its property strategy through store refurbishments, refresh programmes and planned new openings. Its balance sheet remains strong, with net cash of £152 million following share buybacks and employee share purchases. Management expects further productivity improvements and lower business rates to provide additional support for profitability during the second half of the year.

The company’s outlook reflects a combination of improving cash generation and a healthy financial position, balanced against relatively modest profitability and leverage considerations. While technical indicators remain cautious in the near term, Wickes continues to benefit from a reasonable valuation and an attractive dividend yield.

About Wickes Group

Wickes Group plc is a digitally focused home improvement retailer serving both trade professionals and DIY customers across the UK. The company operates 229 stores alongside a growing digital platform, offering building materials, home improvement products and project-based installation services.

Its business is built around three core areas: TradePro services for professional customers, DIY retail and Design & Installation, which includes kitchens, bathrooms and solar energy solutions. Through its value-led strategy and continued investment in digital services and customer experience, Wickes aims to strengthen its market position in the UK home improvement sector.

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