- DIY chain Wickes plans to expand its national network to 300 stores, creating over 2,000 new jobs across the UK.
- The retailer intends to open four to five new outlets this year, accelerating to at least 10 stores annually from 2028, alongside refreshing existing sites.
- These expansion plans follow robust financial results, with underlying pre-tax profits surging 14.4 per cent to £49.9 million and sales rising 5.9 per cent for the year to 27 December.
- Statutory pre-tax profits more than doubled to £48.7 million, demonstrating strong performance despite rising cost pressures.
- Wickes also announced a £10 million share buyback programme and remains on track to meet full-year expectations for underlying pre-tax profits to reach £57.6 million in 2026.
IN FULL
DIY giant Wickes to create more than 2,000 jobs under major expansion plans