Wickes

Company History Of Wickes

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 was able to grow 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 at Barking. There are now 8 Wickes Extra stores with the most recent opening in Kettering in February.

In February 2005 Wickes was acquired by Travis Perkins. For further information regarding the Travis Perkins group visit their website at www.travisperkins.co.uk .

Wickes now has a portfolio of 169 standard and eight Extra stores, with a total net selling space of approximately 5.8 million square feet.

Wickes stores are designed to appeal to serious DIY customers, who carry out more complex projects, and tradesmen, who undertake general repairs, maintenance and improvement projects for households. These customers are more demanding in terms of service, quality and price. The Directors believe that Wickes meets these expectations by offering a targeted range of primarily own brand, competitively priced home improvement products, with particular emphasis on building products, such as timber, bricks and cement.

In addition, Wickes stores offer a range of kitchens, conservatories, bathrooms and bedrooms, which are sold through in-store showrooms. The Group's key objectives for its Wickes business are to achieve broader coverage in its target market and for Wickes to be established as the destination store for home improvement

Check Out Wickes Projects

The following are a selection of easy to moderately difficult projects. These pages are designed to offer a basic introduction to these project ideas, including what tools and materials you may need and some tips on how to successfully complete the job. These are only basic guidelines. For more in-depth details regarding the required skills and techniques needed to tackle these projects, please be sure to take a look at the appropriate Good Idea Leaflet.

• Build a Layered Deck
• Build a Patio
• Dry Line a Wall
• Erect a Fence with Trellis
• Fitting a French Door Set
• Hanging a Moulded Door
• Insulate a Loft
• Laying a Laminate Wood Floor
• Laying a Natural Slate Floor
• Laying a Real Wood Floor
• Re-Roofing Using Easy Seal
• Replace a Kitchen Worktop
• Replace your Existing Banister
• Replace your Guttering
• Replacing a Timber Exterior Door Set
• Tiling a Floor
• Tiling a Shower Enclosure
• Undertile Heating

Click here to view Wickes online project ideas

In addition to this Wickes have over 90 good idea leaflets

Wickes Good Idea Leaflets offer information on a variety of home improvement projects, including what materials and tools you’ll need, plus step-by-step instructions on how to complete the job.

Build Your Skills leaflets cover the basic information required to carry out some easier, yet no less rewarding projects around the home.

Wickes Seasonal Checklists are designed to help with maintaining and improving your property, inside and out, throughout the year. Each carries timely hints and tips along with reminders of essential maintenance work to help keep your property in first class condition.

All Wickes leaflets are available in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format, suitable for reading on-screen or printing. Pre-printed, full-colour leaflets are also available in all Wickes stores.

Wickes Good Idea Leaflets, Build Your Skills flyers and Seasonal Checklists should only be used as guide information. Should you require specific project information, please consult with one of Wickes in-store teams or with another qualified professional.

Click here to view Wickes online good idea leaflets