Like-for-like (LFL) sales at Wickes have dropped by 3.9% year-on-year, with retail revenue growth increasing by just 0.6%.

The DIY and trade home improvements retail firm’s trading update said its TradePro sales continued to perform well, increasing by 14% in the first half of 2024, reflecting a "healthy pipeline of work for local trade professionals".

However, Wickes revealed its DIY sales remain in moderate decline as customers continue to focus on smaller projects.

It said that sales in its design and installation division in the half reflected the "continued soft consumer appetite for larger ticket purchases" in the first half of 2024, alongside a "strong" comparative in H1 2023.

Despite this drop, Wickes said its investment in its strategic growth levers continues, with two new stores in Durham and Long Eaton opened in the first half of 2024, while it boasts a net cash balance sheet of £151.5m.

It has also refitted three stores and continues to see return on invested capital of over 25% from its refit programme, which covers around 78% of the store estate.

Taking into account these results, Wickes said that its profit outlook remains unchanged, alongside an "uncertain" trading environment, continued focus on costs and a “resilient” first half in retail.

Chief executive at Wickes, David Wood, said: "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."

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