Wickes grows through DIFM

UK DIY chain Wickes has reported a 0.7 per cent year-on-year increase in sales for the first half of the year, with turnover of GBP 927.7 mio (EUR 1.080 bn). The do-it-for-me segment alone was responsible for the growth, increasing by 5.9 per cent to GBP 200.9 mio (EUR 233.9 mio). In contrast, the core segment fell by 0.9 per cent from the previous year's figure to GBP 626.8 mio (EUR 729.6 mio).

The company modernised six stores in the first six months of the year, with five more to follow in the second half. It also plans to open two more new stores this year, following a new store opening in July. Over the next five years, Wickes plans to open around 20 new branches.