Wickes Unveils Major UK Expansion with 70 New Stores and 2,000 Jobs
DIY chain Wickes has revealed an ambitious strategy to significantly grow its presence across the United Kingdom, targeting the opening of 70 new stores and the creation of more than 2,000 jobs. This expansion aims to increase the retailer's total network from 230 to 300 sites nationwide, marking a substantial investment in the home improvement sector.
Phased Store Opening Strategy and Investment Plans
Wickes is set to open four to five new shops in the current year, with plans to ramp up this effort to at least ten new stores annually starting from 2028. This accelerated rollout follows a successful period in 2025, during which the company opened five stores, including four that replaced former Homebase locations, while also closing three, refitting two, and refreshing nine others.
In addition to new openings, Wickes intends to refresh 15 to 20 existing sites this year and at least 20 per year from 2028, ensuring a modern and consistent customer experience across its portfolio. The expansion plans were disclosed as part of Wickes' latest full-year financial results, which showed a notable increase in underlying pre-tax profits from £23 million to £49 million for the year ending December 27.
Strong Financial Performance and Future Outlook
David Wood, Chief Executive of Wickes, commented on the company's progress, stating, "This has been another year of strong progress against our strategy. We've achieved volume-driven growth across all three areas of the business, as the strength of our proposition continues to resonate with customers." He highlighted record market share in retail, with robust sales in categories such as timber, tiling & flooring, and paint, alongside the growth of TradePro to 643,000 active members and five consecutive quarters of ordered sales growth in the Design & Installation division.
Given the strong returns from store refits and new openings, Wickes has decided to accelerate its investment for future growth, aiming to bring its distinctive offer to new locations throughout the UK. Despite challenges in the first 11 weeks of the new financial year, including dampened demand for outdoor DIY products due to wet weather, the company reported ongoing volume increases in indoor projects and its design and installation business.
Commitment to Growth Amid Economic Uncertainties
Wickes remains optimistic about its prospects, projecting that continued investment in proven growth levers will position it well for 2026, even in the face of an uncertain consumer and geopolitical environment. The group is on track to meet full-year expectations, with underlying pre-tax profits forecast to rise to £57.6 million in 2026. Additionally, Wickes announced a £10 million share buyback programme, underscoring its financial health and commitment to shareholder value.
This expansion not only boosts Wickes' market presence but also contributes to local economies by generating over 2,000 new jobs, reinforcing the company's role as a key player in the UK's retail and home improvement landscape.
