Wickes, a well-known retailer in the UK, has a rich history that can be traced back to the 1850s in Michigan, USA. The company was founded by Henry Dunn Wickes and his brother, who started a modest lumber business in the local area. In the 1950s, Wickes established itself as a one-stop-shop for builders, offering a full range of construction products at competitive prices.
The First Store
Wickes entered the UK market in 1972 with the opening of its first store in Whitefield, Manchester. It was the first fixed-price builders merchant in the UK, using a traditional DIY store model to sell to the trade. This innovative concept enabled tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts to purchase all the products they needed to complete entire projects from a single store, at lower prices than other merchants.
Over the years, Wickes has built a reputation for quality and affordability, becoming more or less completely own-brand by the early 1990s. This enabled the company to closely control the supply and manufacturing process, offering a quality range of products at consistently low prices. In recent years, the range has been expanded to include trusted brands such as Dulux, Bosch, and Makita, giving customers even more choice.
The company places a strong emphasis on building trust with its customers. The Wickes Quality Assurance Team travels thousands of miles each year to check the production quality of its key suppliers, and its own-brand products are independently tested against market leaders to ensure they are up to the job. This commitment to quality ensures that customers can be confident they are getting the best value for money.
Categories
Wickes, a well-known British home improvement retailer, has long been the go-to destination for homeowners and tradespeople alike. Offering a comprehensive range of products and services, Wickes ensures that customers find everything they need under one roof. This article will delve into the various categories available at Wickes, making it easier for customers to transform their homes with ease and confidence.
- Kitchens: Wickes offers an extensive range of kitchen solutions, from ready-to-fit units to bespoke designs that cater to individual tastes and requirements. Their professional design consultants are on hand to help customers create the perfect kitchen, complete with state-of-the-art appliances and stunning worktops.
- Bathrooms: Bathroom renovations are made easy with Wickes‘ wide selection of bathroom suites, fittings, and accessories. Whether a customer seeks a sleek, modern design or a more traditional approach, Wickes‘ bathroom range caters to all tastes and budgets.
- Building Materials: For any construction or renovation project, Wickes provides a comprehensive range of building materials, including timber, bricks, insulation, and plaster. Tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike can trust Wickes for high-quality materials at competitive prices.
- Doors & Windows: At Wickes, customers can find an impressive array of doors and windows to suit any home style. With various materials, designs, and finishes available, it is easy to find the perfect solution to enhance a property’s aesthetic and energy efficiency.
- Gardens & Landscaping: Transforming outdoor spaces is a breeze with Wickes‘ garden and landscaping products. From decking and fencing to paving and decorative aggregates, customers can create a beautiful and functional garden that suits their personal style and needs.
- Flooring & Tiling: Wickes offers a vast selection of flooring and tiling options for every room in the home. From laminate and vinyl to ceramic tiles and engineered wood, customers can find the ideal solution to match their design preferences and budget.
- Painting & Decorating: Homeowners looking to refresh their interiors can rely on Wickes for high-quality paints, wallpapers, and decorating tools. With a vast array of colors and finishes available, customers can achieve the desired look with ease.
- Electrical & Lighting: Wickes‘ range of electrical and lighting products ensures that customers can find everything they need to create a well-lit and functional living space. From energy-efficient LED bulbs to stylish lighting fixtures, Wickes has it all.
- Heating & Plumbing: For all heating and plumbing needs, Wickes offers an extensive selection of boilers, radiators, and plumbing supplies. Customers can trust Wickes for reliable and efficient heating solutions, as well as expert advice.
- Tools & Workwear: Wickes is a trusted source for high-quality tools and workwear, catering to both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. With an impressive selection of power tools, hand tools, and safety gear, Wickes ensures that customers are well-equipped for any task.
- Saving Energy: Wickes is committed to helping customers reduce their energy consumption and save on utility bills. They offer a variety of energy-saving products, including insulation, energy-efficient windows, and smart home technology.
- Offers: Wickes continuously offers special deals and promotions on various products and services. By keeping an eye on their website and in-store promotions, customers can find great savings on their home improvement needs.
Services
One of the most popular services Wickes offered was their FREE Click & Collect service. Customers could browse the extensive range of products on the Wickes website, make their selections, and within 30 minutes, the order would be ready for collection at their nearest store. This innovative service allowed busy homeowners and professionals to save precious time by avoiding long queues and searching for items in-store.
Understanding the importance of affordability, Wickes also offered FREE delivery on orders over £85, making it easier than ever for customers to purchase everything they needed for their projects. However, some restrictions applied to certain products or locations, ensuring that Wickes could maintain its commitment to providing quality products at competitive prices while still offering the convenience of home delivery.
Wickes‘ commitment to customer satisfaction didn’t end there. They also provided a hassle-free return process with their FREE returns policy. Customers could return items they were unhappy with or had mistakenly purchased without incurring any additional costs. This policy not only demonstrated Wickes’ confidence in the quality of their products but also gave customers peace of mind knowing they could make returns without any financial risk. In addition to these services, Wickes had an extended return policy in place, catering to those who needed more time to make decisions on their purchases.
