Home improvement retailer Wickes has reported a growth in volume as well as further market share in retail.

According to its latest trading update for six months ending 29 June 2024, total group like-for-like sales were down 3.9% to £799.9m. Retail sales represented £633.2m, up 0.6%, while Design & Installation sales were down 18.3% to £166.7m.

“Retail sales remain resilient and we have continued to increase market share to record levels, demonstrating the continued strength of Wickes’ great value and service-led proposition,” the group said.

“Growth in the first half was driven by volume, with selling price deflation of around 3%. The phasing impact of the Easter peak trading period this year reduced Retail LFL sales in Q2 by 1.4%.

“Design & Installation delivered sales in the half reflected the continued soft consumer appetite for larger ticket purchases and a strong comparative in H1 2023. Ordered sales4 in the first half have shown a single digit year-on-year decline.

“Our ongoing strategic focus on our lower-priced Wickes Lifestyle Kitchens5 continues to deliver good results, with sales up 18.8% year-on-year in H1.”

Wickes opened two new stores in the half, in Long Eaton and Durham, while refitting three stores and continues to see return on invested capital of over 25% from its refit programme, which has now covered c.78% of the store estate.

David Wood, Chief Executive of Wickes, commented: “Our excellent value and service-led offer gives DIYers and tradespeople reason to keep coming back to Wickes. Against a challenging trading backdrop, we have grown volume and taken further market share in Retail, with our TradePro scheme continuing to show strong momentum as local trade professionals turn to Wickes to save them time and money. 

“We’re seeing good demand for our lower-priced Wickes Lifestyle Kitchens, reflecting customers’ desire for quality and value.  We continue to invest in our growth levers and are particularly excited about the recent acquisition of Solar Fast.”