CitySprint extends same-day delivery deal with Wickes

CitySprint has extended its same-day delivery partnership with home improvement retailer Wickes in a new deal that runs until the end of 2027.

The agreement lengthens a relationship that began in 2016 and keeps CitySprint in place as Wickes' main same-day distribution provider across the UK.

Under the contract, CitySprint will continue to handle home deliveries from more than 230 Wickes stores nationwide. The service draws on a local fulfilment model in which orders are dispatched from nearby branches rather than central hubs.

Both companies link this approach with faster and more convenient deliveries for customers. They also highlight a reduced need for long-haul transport legs between distant depots and customers.

Shorter delivery window

The renewed contract includes new service features for Wickes shoppers. The most visible change is a cut in the pre-alerted delivery time window from five hours to four.

Wickes customers receive this delivery window in advance of arrival. The companies expect the shorter slot to give households more certainty around when orders will turn up.

Customers can also now use their tracking link to specify a safe place for delivery. Couriers receive these instructions directly on their devices.

The feature went live in early November. It is designed for situations where customers are not at home at the time of delivery.

CitySprint said this combination of tighter delivery windows and flexible drop-off options supports a smoother experience at the doorstep. Wickes positions the changes as part of wider efforts to refine its online and in-store service.

National coverage

CitySprint describes itself as the UK's largest same-day distribution company. It runs a regional network of more than 26 sites and a fleet of over 3,500 vehicles, including more than 150 alternative-fuel vehicles.

The company's same-day network reaches over 88% of mainland UK within 60 minutes, according to the business. CitySprint is a member of Geopost, the parcel delivery network owned by France's La Poste Group.

For Wickes, CitySprint fields around 260 accredited couriers on the account each day. They support same-day and scheduled home deliveries from branches to households and trade addresses across the country.

CitySprint said it completed more than 1 million deliveries under the Wickes partnership in 2024. The business reported an on-time performance rate above 98% for those drops.

The company positions its familiarity with Wickes' internal processes as an important factor in maintaining that service level. It also cites its fleet size and geographic spread as supports for the retailer's delivery requirements.

Retail and logistics strategy

Wickes operates as a digitally led, service-focused home improvement retailer. It sells DIY and trade products, and offers kitchen and bathroom design and installation services, along with solar panel products and a trade loyalty scheme.

The group sees fulfilment and last-mile logistics as a key part of its offer to both consumers and trade professionals. The extended arrangement with CitySprint sits alongside its in-store services and online ordering platform.

For CitySprint, the Wickes contract underlines its role in the retail segment alongside specialist services in sectors such as healthcare. All of its service centres run on renewable energy as part of a broader sustainability strategy for its logistics operations.

The partners said the latest contract marks a continuation of a long-running collaboration. It also introduces incremental operational changes aimed at fine-tuning the customer journey.

Faye Calland, Sales and Marketing Director at CitySprint, said: "We're proud to be extending our long-standing partnership with Wickes. Since 2016, our teams have worked closely together to deliver millions of orders nationwide, always focusing on customer convenience and reliability. Shortening the delivery window is the next step in enhancing the experience for Wickes' customers, helping them receive the products they need, when they need them."

Wickes said the distribution tie-up forms part of its competitive response in the home improvement market, where delivery options and reliability are a central point of differentiation between chains and online specialists.

"CitySprint has been an integral partner for Wickes, ensuring our customers receive a fast and reliable delivery service. This extension is a vital part of our strategy to stay competitive in the home improvement market, and we're proud to continue building on our shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction," said Ash.