Summary
Marginal uplift across several key financial factors have led building supplies retailing giant Wickes Group PLC to draw a line on what has added up to a decent half year.
Details
The iconic business park brand, which has outlets in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cirencester, said that its half-year numbers to June 27, showed strong volume-led performance – placing the brand on track to meet market forecasts for adjusted profit before tax.
Total revenue came in at £865.3m for the 26 weeks, which indicated a 2.1% uplift on the same period in 2025, while volume growth in retail climbed 0.8% – a strong order book in design and installation driving record growth of 5.7% in this area.
The group revealed that profit before tax consequently edged up 1.1% ,to £27.6m , as aggressive cost-control measures successfully absorbed ongoing operating cost inflation. Given a healthy net cash position of £151.6m, Wickes raised its interim dividend 2.8% to 3.7p per share. The key boost for the retailer was revealed as its TradePro scheme , which in H1 2026 stood at a membership of 615,000.
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For this period, that number soared to an active member base of 671,000 and this influx was pivotal to a nudge upwards for trade-led revenue by 5% year-on-year. However, at the same time, core consumer retail behaviour showed some reticence, with retail revenue nudging forward by just 0.8% (a 0.3% further drop on a like-for-like basis).
David Wood, Wickes CEO, said: “This has been another period of strong volume-led performance for Wickes, as more customers choose to shop with us. Our value-led retail proposition continues to appeal to both DIY and Trade customers, with TradePro achieving record levels of active members.
He added that the Design and Installation section’s ongoing growth, with particularly strong sales of Wickes Bespoke Bathrooms and Lifestyle Kitchens, underlined the appeal of the brand’s broader offer.
He added: “Our growth momentum through the first half has continued building into Q3, with a significant step-up to mid-single-digit LFL revenue growth in Retail.” Looking ahead, he said Wickes’ digital investments were improving the customer experience and operational efficiencies and the business remained confident in its strategy, continuing to invest for growth, including its ambition to reach 300 stores and drive sustainable long-term value for shareholders.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester
