Wickes parent continues momentum of 2014 sales increases, with a good performance across almost all areas of the group, including consumer and merchanting.
Group sales grew by 7.2% in the first quarter, with a like-for-like sales growth of 5.1%, despite an anticipated sales decline in the plumbing and heating division. Group two-year like-for-like sales growth of 18.4% demonstrates a continuation of the strong and consistent growth experienced throughout 2014.

Travis Perkins' consumer businesses, which include Wickes and Tile Giant, were up 8.7%. Kitchen and bathroom sales recovered against a weak comparative period, but this was partially offset by lower roofing and fencing sales following high levels of significant storm damage in early 2014.

The company added that, although still early in the implementation, its expanded outdoor product range in consumer has been well received by customers. Wickes has also extended its investment in price, with offers on insulation, paint and power tools. Online sales continued to grow strongly in consumer, particularly through the implementation of click & collect.

The general merchanting businesses performed well through the quarter, with like-for-like sales up 8.1%. Growth was particularly strong in heavyside categories, direct sales and the Toolhire business. Price inflation weakened modestly through the quarter with lower inflation on heavyside categories and modest price deflation on lightside categories.

The plumbing and heating division made good progress in its branch resegmentation programme, said the company, albeit in a difficult trading period. Overall sales were down 3.7% with like-for-like sales down 6.1%. Sales declines were driven by the continued impact of the Government ECO scheme which pulled forward boiler sales into the first quarter of 2014 and the short term disruption of the re-segmentation programme. The boiler market remained depressed throughout the quarter, but with some signs of recovery towards the end of the period. This had a negative impact on the PTS and F&P businesses, although this was partially offset by good like-for-like sales growth in City Plumbing. The early performance of the converted branches offers longer term encouragement and management remain convinced of the merits of re-allocating capital to higher return opportunities.

The group continues its store trials, with a further four new-format Travis Perkins outlets now open. Wickes has also opened two new trial format stores in Chatham and Doncaster, which combine better use of space with improved range and an enhanced in-store experience. Meanwhile, Wickes has improved its click & collect service, with collection now available to customers in just one hour.

Travis Perkins Group chief executive John Carter said of the results: "The majority of our businesses performed well against strong comparators in the first quarter, driven by the investments we have made to improve our propositions in the initial stages of our five-year plan.

"The modernisation programme in general merchanting is now underway and contributed to our market outperformance. The Wickes team have built on the positive customer feedback and success of 2014 and continue to take market share. The plumbing and heating division is fully focused on its branch network re-segmentation, however the market remains challenging."

He added: "Our three priorities for the year ahead remain unchanged; the modernisation of Travis Perkins, the transformation of Wickes, and the re-segmentation of the Plumbing & Heating businesses. The progress we are making underpins our confidence that the plans we have in place and the investments we are making will support further outperformance of our markets, medium-term double digit operating profit growth and continued growth in return on capital."