Wickes, the home improvement retailer, says it is on track to meet market forecasts for a 10% rise in full-year adjusted pre-tax profit, after third-quarter trading accelerated ahead of expectations.
Analyst consensus points to adjusted pre-tax profit of £54.7 million for 2026, with a range of £52.8 million to £56 million.
Group revenue rose 4.5% in the quarter to £439 million, driven by strong customer volume gains across both its trade and DIY businesses.
Retail revenue grew 6% to £331 million, with like-for-like sales up 5.6%.
Mild price inflation has begun to come through after a prolonged period of deflation, adding to volume-driven momentum.
Timber, flooring, roofing and garden were identified as areas of notable strength, with Wickes continuing to take market share from rivals.
On a two-year basis, retail like-for-like growth was 11.5%.
TradePro, Wickes' loyalty scheme for local trade professionals, recorded sales growth of 8%, with active membership up 8% year on year to 684,000.
DIY sales were also in mid-single-digit growth, supported by solid demand across core home improvement categories.
Design and Installation revenue was broadly flat at £108 million, with growth in Lifestyle Kitchens and Bespoke Bathrooms offset by customers showing more caution on larger Bespoke Kitchen purchases.
Ordered sales by value in Design and Installation fell year on year, even as project volumes held steady.
Wickes opened two new stores in the quarter, in Saffron Walden and Colne, and refitted or refreshed three others.
The group also acquired the freehold of its Perry Barr store for £6.3 million, securing the site after it faced the risk of redevelopment.
For the full year, Wickes plans to open five new stores and refit or refresh 12.
Chief executive David Wood said good momentum across the business left the group well-placed to deliver on market expectations for the full year.
