DIY retailer Wickes has announced plans to significantly expand its store network across the UK, aiming to reach 300 locations and create over 2,000 new jobs.
Currently operating around 230 stores, Wickes intends to accelerate its new openings in the coming years.
The company plans to launch four to five new stores this year and increase that number to at least 10 new openings annually starting in 2028.
In addition to expansion, Wickes is implementing a major refurbishment program. The retailer plans to refresh 15 to 20 stores in 2026, and this number will rise to at least 20 sites each year beginning in 2028 as it upgrades its estate.
This strategy was shared alongside the company’s latest financial results, which revealed a 14.4% increase in underlying pre-tax profits to £49.9 million for the year ended December 27. Sales also increased by 5.9%, helping to offset rising operating costs. Statutory pre-tax profits more than doubled, reaching £48.7 million, up from £23.2 million the previous year.
Wickes opened five new stores last year, including four former Homebase locations. During that same period, the company closed three locations, refitted two stores, and refreshed nine others as part of its ongoing investment program.
David Wood, chief executive of Wickes, said: “Given the strength of investment returns from our proven store refit and new store rollout strategy, we have today announced the decision to accelerate our investment for future growth.
“This takes our ambition to reach 300 stores nationwide – creating over 2,000 new jobs as we bring Wickes’ distinctive offer to new locations up and down the UK.”
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