Wickes Group reported a "strong volume-led performance" in the first half and said it remained on track to deliver around 10% growth in adjusted pre-tax profit for 2026, sending its shares sharply higher.

The Watford-based home improvement retailer reported revenue of £865.3m for the 26 weeks to 27 June, up 2.1% year-on-year, while adjusted pre-tax profit increased 1.1% to £27.6m after a difficult period for UK home-improvement retailers.

Retail revenue increased 0.8% despite 2.4% deflation, supported by higher volumes and continued market-share gains, particularly in decorative, gardening and timber.

Design & Installation revenue grew 5.7%, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of sales growth, driven by higher project volumes and strong demand for Wickes Bespoke Bathrooms and Lifestyle Kitchens.

Wickes said trading had improved significantly in the third quarter so far, with retail like-for-like revenue growth accelerating to the mid-single digits. The company, which operates more than 230 stores across the UK, said its productivity programme and lower business rates would support profitability in the second half, despite continued uncertainty in the consumer environment.

CEO David Wood 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: “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.”

TradePro sales rose 5%, with active members increasing to 671,000 from 615,000 a year earlier. TradePro is the company's membership and loyalty programme for trade professionals such as builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other contractors.

Wickes also continued its store investment programme, completing eight refits and refreshes during the period, with four to five new stores planned for the second half as it works towards its ambition of reaching 300 stores.

The retailer ended the period with net cash of £151.6m after growth investment and £26.3m returned to shareholders, alongside a further £9.2m of net funding for employee benefit trust share purchases. It increased its interim dividend by 2.8% to 3.7p per share.

Wickes shares rose by around 9% in early afternoon trading today, making the stock one of the FTSE 250's stronger performers despite wider market weakness.

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