Wickes Group PLC (LSE:WIX) reported like-for-like sales just below flat for the first 17 weeks of 2026 as weaker outdoor DIY demand caused by poor weather was offset by strength in its Design & Installation business and TradePro offering.
The home improvement retailer said it remained comfortable with consensus expectations for adjusted pre-tax profit in 2026.
Group revenues rose 1.3% to £537 million in the period from the start of January to 25 April, while like-for-like revenue was down 0.1%.
Retail revenue slipped 0.4% to £392 million, with like-for-like sales down 1.7%, reflecting what the company described as exceptional rainfall compared with stronger weather conditions a year earlier.
Wickes said indoor project sales continued to grow and outperformed outdoor categories by around eight percentage points.
Design & Installation revenues increased 6.4% to £145 million, with like-for-like growth of 4.3%, supported by demand for bathrooms and its Lifestyle Kitchens range.
The company said delivered sales in Design & Installation had now grown for four consecutive quarters as it worked through an order book built during 2025.
However, orders for Bespoke Kitchens slowed as customers became more cautious on larger project spending.
TradePro sales increased 4% year-on-year, while active members rose 9% to 662,000.
Wickes said it plans to accelerate store expansion, targeting 300 stores over time. The group expects to open 4-5 new stores in 2026 and refresh or refit 15-20 existing locations.