Popular now
Debenhams Group returns to growth amid PLT recovery

Debenhams Group returns to growth amid PLT recovery

Currys appoints Fredrik Tønnesen as Group CEO

Currys appoints Fredrik Tønnesen as Group CEO

Inditex sales rise 5.8% after strong start to summer trading

Inditex sales rise 5.8% after strong start to summer trading

Wickes enters FTSE 250 amid strong sales

Wickes enters FTSE 250 amid strong sales

On this episode of Talking Shop I’m joined by Alain Bejjani—former Group CEO of Middle East retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, and author of the definitive new book, NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities. Drawing on his childhood in war-torn Beirut, and his experience steering a $9.5bn dollar retail and lifestyle empire through a global pandemic, Alain brings an unmatched perspective on leadership under pressure. Today, we break down his crisis survival playbook for retailers operating in distress. We discuss why resilience must always outpace efficiency, the four assets a brand must protect at all costs, and how to turn macro-turmoil into a long-term direction that scales.

Register to get free articles

No spam Unsubscribe anytime

Want unlimited access? View Plans

Already have an account? Sign in

Wickes has been promoted to the FTSE 250 index following a strong start to the year.

David Wood, chief executive of the Wickes Group stated that it was a “fantastic recognition for all the hard work of its colleagues who do such a great job serving customers and helping the nation feel house proud”.

The news comes after its revenues during the 17 weeks ended 26 April 2025 increased by 6.9% to £533.1m.

This came after strong volume-led sales growth within its retail arm which saw its revenue grow 9.6% to £396.7m in the period.

The group also increased its market share further, with particularly strong performance in building, garden and decorating categories.

Wickes added it has been well positioned to benefit from the warmer weather at the start of this year, which has supported the strong sales performance in retail. For example, in the week of the early May bank holiday, the company had its biggest ever week for sales of compost and top soil.

Looking ahead, the group stated that work was underway to convert four former Homebase stores as part of our plan to open 5-7 new stores in 2025. It has also refitted three further stores in the period and c.80% of the store estate is in the new format.

In a LinkedIn post, Wickes said: “We’re proud as a peacock to announce that, today, Wickes has been promoted to the FTSE 250 index.

“This achievement is a reflection of the stock market’s confidence in our future growth prospects and a testament to the strength of the Wickes customer proposition and balanced business model, that ensures we continue to win market share and deliver our growth plans. Well done and thank you to our amazing Wickes colleagues for making this possible.”

Previous Post
Hackers sent abuse and ransom demand to M&S boss

Hackers sent abuse and ransom demand to M&S boss

Next Post
JD Sports to open its largest store at Trafford Centre

JD Sports to open its largest store at Trafford Centre