Overview
- Wickes, with about 230 sites today, plans four to five openings in 2026 then at least 10 per year from 2028 to reach 300 stores nationwide.
- A structured renewal programme will refresh 15–20 stores this year, increasing to at least 20 per year from 2028.
- Full-year results to 27 December showed underlying pre-tax profit up 14.4% to £49.9m and statutory pre-tax profit more than doubling to £48.7m on 5.9% sales growth.
- The company launched a £10m share buyback and reaffirmed guidance for underlying pre-tax profit of £57.6m in 2026, with shares rising about 4% on the update.
- Management flagged softer Q4 like-for-like growth at 4.7% and early-year wet weather hitting outdoor categories, while indoor projects and design-and-installation volumes grew, supported by net cash of about £91.7m and continued investment in technology and employee share schemes.