DIY retailer Wickes has backed its full year profit guidance after posting third quarter sales growth of 2.6%.
In the 13 weeks to 1 October, like-for-like sales in its core DIY categories were flat year-on-year but 27.3% ahead on a three-year basis. The retailer said sales have strengthened since the beginning of September following the negative impact of the hot weather in July and August.
Meanwhile, like-for-like delivered sales in the “Do-it-for-me” category were 12.2% up compared to the same time last year. However, new orders were down in the third quarter due to customers taking longer to commit to big ticket projects.
Following what it described as a stable third quarter performance, Wickes said it continues to expect full year adjusted pre-tax profit to be in the range of £72 million to £82 million.
