Following today’s release of Wickes’ figures for the six months ending 27 June 2026; Jake Kendrick, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform, offers his view: “The soft performance in Wickes’ Retail division in H1 exposes the continued pressure in the core UK DIY market and the impact of wet weather on Q1 footfall. Wickes’s Retail revenue rose 0.8% for the first half of the financial year (-0.3% LFL), and within this, TradePro sales increased 5% year-on-year (and TradePro active members 9%), signalling a poor performance in DIY. Shares rose in early trading as Wickes affirmed it remained on track for 10% adjusted PBT growth for the full year, supported by stronger Q3 retail trading to date and lower business rates.
“The specialist’s Design & Installation (D&I) proposition proved resilient in H1, with revenue increasing 5.7% – revenue is recognised once installation is complete so is not immediately tied to Retail sales performance. Growth in D&I was supported by Lifestyle Kitchens and Bespoke Bathrooms. However, softer Bespoke Kitchen orders pointed to continued consumer caution around higher-ticket projects.
“Competitive pressure within the trade audience is intensifying, with Screwfix reporting continued growth in trade customers and further market-share gains. Wickes will have to defend its trade advantage in H2 by reinforcing its service and product differentiation through tailored trade support and sharpening TradePro promotions.
“Wickes needs to rebuild its engagement with DIY shoppers so it is less reliant on trade. Investments in digital design, rapid fulfilment and AI will make home improvement easier and more convenient for consumers. Still, Wickes can go further by helping customers complete projects, not just buy products. Ofgem’s 13% energy price cap increase from July 2026, driven by higher wholesale gas prices linked to the Middle East conflict, creates a clear customer need for energy-saving solutions. Wickes should leverage the newly legal plug-in solar panels and its specialist advice to introduce customers to home-energy upgrades, with the potential to convert consumers into larger Wickes Solar installations. This approach turns pressure on household budgets into a growth opportunity, differentiating the retailer through expertise rather than price alone.”
