Wickes

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Wickes company Logo
Wickes company Logo

Wickes is a leading UK DIY retailer, focused on building materials and supplies for the public and trade. It is owned by Travis Perkins

[edit] Background

Until February 2005, the company operated as a sister brand to Focus DIY, offering a distinct alternative with no home furnishing ranges or garden centres.

The Wickes format is aimed at general tradesman and those who carry out complex projects in their homes. The company combines its range with support and advice from staff in store, many of who are former tradespeople themselves. This is an idea that has been copied successfully by B&Q in its Warehouse stores.

In addition to building products, such as timber, bricks and cement, Wickes stores also offer a range of kitchens, conservatories, bathrooms and bedrooms.

[edit] History

  • Wickes opened its first store in the UK in 1972 at Whitefield in Manchester. The concept was launched as a joint venture between the US group, Wickes Corporation, and the UK builders merchant, Sankeys.
  • In 1987, Wickes was floated on the London Stock Exchange. At that time the company was trading from 41 units in the UK.
  • In 1996, Wickes underwent a change of management followed by a rights issue and the sale of its European stores in 1997.
  • In September 2000, Wickes was acquired by the Focus Group. The majority of the key operational management was retained and remains with the business today.
  • Within the Focus Wickes Group, Wickes grew significantly with an increase in store numbers from 131 at 29 October 2000 to 172 at 31 March 2004, including the conversion of 36 Focus outlets to Wickes stores.
  • In March 2003, the first of a new larger format store, Wickes Extra, was opened in Barking. This has now been followed by Wickes Extra stores in Taunton, Maidstone (currently the largest Wickes store in the UK), Glasgow and Southampton (Hedge End).
  • In February 2005 Wickes was acquired by Travis Perkins.

[edit] Key Facts

  • Wickes has a portfolio of 169 standard and seven Extra stores as at 1 February 2006.
  • The company has total net selling space of approximately 5.2 million square feet.
  • Most stores are situated in large population centres where there are concentrations of tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts.
  • Store numbers have risen from 131 at (October 2000) to 176 (February 2006).
  • It is one of the main sponsors of the Coca-Cola Football League


Information taken from www.wickes.co.uk

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