// Travis Perkins LfL sales rises 7.3% in Q1

// Total sales up 5.4%

// Wickes saw 10.5% rise in comparable sales

// The chain was supported by the UK’s mild winter

Wickes parent company Travis Perkins has reported a first quarter sales rise as the chain was supported by the UK’s mild weather.

For the three months to March 31, the chain reported a 7.3 per cent rise in like-for-like sales, while total sales saw an uptick of 5.4 per cent.

DIY retailer Wickes experienced a 10.5 per cent rise in comparable sales, although the company said it had been helped by a “soft prior year comparative”.

Travis Perkins’ plumbing and heating division saw a drop of four per cent in like-for-like sales as the UK’s mild winter affected company performance.

“In plumbing and heating the milder winter has impacted sales compared to 2018, but our branches and specialist online channels have continued to perform well,” former chief executive John Carter said.

Meanwhile, in December, Travis Perkins set its target on saving up to £30 million as it aimed to offload its plumbing and heating arm.

The company said it will “look to review the options for maximising the value” of Wickes in the medium term, which could result in the sale of the retailer.

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