Wickes Group (LSE:WIX) shares slumped 10.2% to 182.2p after the group reiterated comfort with 2026 adjusted profit before tax and reported 1.3% revenue growth in the 17 weeks to 25 April.
Retail revenues were broadly maintained year‑on‑year despite exceptional rainfall depressing outdoor project demand, leaving two‑year Retail revenue up 8.9% and overall Retail volumes growing while prices remained deflationary in low single digits.
TradePro sales were up 4% year‑on‑year and active TradePro members increased 9% to 662,000, with indoor project sales outperforming outdoor categories by around eight percentage points.
Design & Installation delivered sales have grown for four consecutive quarters as the group fulfils the 2025 order book, with ordered project volumes up but ordered sales by value slightly below a year earlier as bespoke kitchen orders slow and bathrooms and Wickes Lifestyle Kitchens expand.
The group said it is accelerating its rollout to reach 300 stores, expects to open four to five new sites and to refit or refresh 15-20 stores in 2026, and will benefit from lower business rates and productivity measures while management cited consensus adjusted PBT of a mean £57.1m (range £54m–£59.4m) compiled from 11 analysts as at 8 May.
"We are pleased to have achieved further volume growth in the first 17 weeks of the year," said David Wood, Chief Executive.
