Wickes has reported a strong first half of 2025, achieving record retail market share and a 16.7% rise in adjusted pre-tax profit. For the 26 weeks to 29 June, revenue increased 5.6% year-on-year to £847.9m, while adjusted profit before tax reached £27.3m, up from £23.4m in 2024.
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Retail sales grew 6.8%, supported by a 10% increase in TradePro sales, with active membership climbing to 615,000 from 541,000 a year earlier. DIY sales also delivered mid-single digit growth, while the Design & Installation division returned to like-for-like growth in Q2, outperforming the wider big-ticket market.
Chief executive David Wood said the retailer had prioritised "convenience, choice and speed", adding that innovation in key categories had broadened appeal.
Operational efficiencies, digital investments and productivity savings contributed to profitability, while Wickes maintained a net cash position of £158m despite £24.8m returned to shareholders. The group declared an interim dividend of 3.6p and confirmed a £20m share buyback.
Expansion plans remain on track with one new store and four refits completed in H1, alongside a pipeline of five to seven new openings and up to 15 refits in 2025. Q3 trading was reported as in line with expectations.
Source: www.retailgazette.co.uk
