Wickes Group PLC (LSE:WIX) reported a strong start to 2025 and said it remains confident of hitting profit targets for the year.
Group revenue rose 6.9% in the 17 weeks to 26 April, with strong growth from its shops and flat sales at its Design & Installation arm.
Retail revenue increased 9.6%, driven by strong volume growth and with market share gaining, particularly in building, garden and decorating categories.
TradePro, which targets trade professionals, grew 13%, with the number of active TradePro members rising by 14% to 605,000.
Design & Installation (D&I) revenue was broadly flat year-on-year, but ordered sales grew for a second consecutive quarter. Wickes attributed this to actions taken in 2024 to enhance customer experience.
The company converted four former Homebase stores and is refitting three more, with 80% of its store estate now under the new format. Wickes also plans to increase investment in technology to support growth.
"This has been a strong start to the new financial year, with the further increase in sales driven exclusively by volume growth, as more customers shop with us," said chief executive David Wood.
Despite ongoing cost pressures and an uncertain consumer outlook, Wickes said it remains "comfortable" with current consensus forecast for adjusted profit before tax of £47.7 million, with a range of £45.6 million to £51 million.