Wickes' parent, Travis Perkins, was upbeat as it said trading at the diy chain has remained strong since its last update in October.
Total turnover for the 48-week trading period ended on December 1 was up by 9.4%. In its October statement Travis Perkins said total turnover for the 39-week trading period ended September 29 was up by 8.5%.

Like-for-like sales per trading day up to December 1 rose 5.4% (5.7% in October) with core products up 7.7% (8.1%) with showroom sales lower by 5.7% (lower by 6.4% in October).

As per its October statement, Travis Perkins re-iterated that Wickes has grown its like-for-like and total market share, 'with this rate of gain increasing in the second half'.

Wickes added that to stay in line with competitors, its level of discounting meant retail gross margins are slightly below the comparable period in 2006.

In the period six new Wickes stores were added, increasing Wickes' gross selling space by 6.9%, with further opportunities being developed.