Like-for-like sales in the general merchanting division were up 10.7% in the third quarter and 5.5% for the first nine months. Travis Perkins’ consumer business – Wickes and Tile Giant – reported flat like-for-like growth in Q3 and a like-for-like sales reverse of 0.7% in the year to date.
Travis Perkins said the positive sales momentum experienced in Q2 continued into Q3 in trade markets but retail markets continued to be challenging, with its outlets receiving little benefit from the warmer summer weather due to their limited range of outdoor product categories.
“Whilst still early in the recovery of our markets, the stronger trading conditions experienced by our merchanting businesses in particular is a reassuring indicator of improved sentiment in construction,” said chief executive Geoff Cooper.
“The recovery in activity, signalled by us in early 2013, looks set to continue into 2014 as owners’ and occupiers’ construction and maintenance activity increases from the very low levels encountered over the last five years.”
