On 2007-06-20 20:28:20 +0100, "The Medway Handyman"
said:

Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-06-19 11:41:33 +0100, "tim....."
said:

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
On 2007-06-19 00:05:53 +0100, EricP said:

Focus sold to US hedge fund Cerberus for £1.00

I wonder if Wickes will survive yet again?

Wickes is now owned by Travis Perkins, although it's demise would
be no great loss.

What's wrong with Wicks?

- Most of what they sell is mediochre at best (e.g. tools)

Oh no it isn't! The grey Kress power tools are excellent, great value & 3
year warranty.

3 year warranties as a selling point don't do anything more for me than
laser guides.


Hand tools are good as well. I have an excellent set of
screwdrivers, great wire strippers,

I looked at them but still prefer the Wera and CK ones.



levels
, post hole diggers, crowbars,
trowels & various other bits & bobs which are used daily & hold up well

I don't tend to use those kind of things apart from levels very much
apart from some Marshalltown trowels.





- Limited selection - often only one type of each thing.

Plumbing fittings are cheaper than Screwfix.

I tend to buy in quantity from PTS.



Paint is
mainly own brand for example, and a poor selection.

I only buy magnolia :-)


- Timber quality is appalling.

Not as good as my local timber yard granted, but streets ahead of the stuff
in B&Q

I wouldn't buy timber at B&Q either.