DIYWEEK.net

Travis Perkins-owned DIY chain reports 20.8% increase in showroom sales, as group sales are "ahead of expectations".
Wickes reported a 0.7% increase in total sales for the 39 weeks to September 26, with like-for-like sales per trading day, also up 0.7%.

Core products were down 3%, while showroom sales saw an impressive 20.8% rise, boosted by heavier investment in marketing to increase awareness of its improved kitchen and bathroom ranges. Like-for-like (lfl) turnover per day for the last 13 weeks was up 7.8%.

In total, turnover for the Travis Perkins group was down 11% for the nine months to September 26, compared with the same period last year. Total sales in its merchanting division, which includes Keyline, City Plumbing Supplies and CCF, was down 15.6%, while lfl turnover per trading day was down 16.3%. However, this figure improved in Q3, to -11.9%, as 2008 comparatives ease.

The company, which also owns Tile Giant and ToolStation, revealed that group trading for the last three months is ahead of its expectations. However, the company added that its outlook for 2010 "remains unchanged" from that stated in its June interim results.

In the interim trading statement released in July, Travis Perkins said: "Although some signs of stability in our markets have appeared recently, there remain risks on the downside. The Group is well positioned to deal with this outlook, and there continue to be signs of stress amongst some competitors."

It added: "Consumer confidence has stabilised somewhat, but lingering concerns remain over big-ticket expenditure and unemployment is still rising...Retailers offering a strong, value-led proposition, such as Wickes, Tile Giant and ToolStation, are increasingly attractive in this environment."