DIY retailer Wickes like-for-likes slipped 0.5% in the 39 weeks to October 1, but worsened in the most recent 13 week period, falling 2%.

Turnover increased 1.2% in the 39 week period when core product like-for-like sales, which represent 80% of turnover, increased 2.7%.

However, kitchen and bathroom sales slumped 12.4% “reflecting continued weakening consumer confidence for major purchases”. 

The retailer said all 13 of the former Focus stores it acquired in May are now trading as Wickes.

Gross margins in the parent Travis Perkins retail division – which also includes Tile Giant and Toolstation – are “slightly ahead of last year”.

 Travis Perkins chief executive Geoff Cooper has noticed the “challenging consumer environment for our retail business” but added: “We continue to take market share against a tough market backdrop, confirming the sustainable strength of our organic growth strategy.”

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