Halfords’ like-for-like sales flat in third quarter
Car parts and cycle retailer Halfords has said its retail like-for-like sales were flat in its third quarter although there was a return to growth in its cycling category.
In the 15 weeks to 15 January, group like-for-like sales edged up 0.3% boosted by a 1.9% increase in like-for-like sales at Halfords autocentres.
The retailer said growth in sales of bikes and cycle repair items more than offset a small decline in parts, accessories and clothing.
Meanwhile, Halfords’ autocentres business increased its service, maintenance and repair revenue, but was impacted by lower tyre prices.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Jill McDonald, Halfords chief executive, said: “We are pleased with the group’s performance, given the unprecedented weather conditions. Particularly pleasing was the strong growth in service-related sales and a return to like-for-like growth in cycling.
“We achieved a record day online over the Black Friday weekend, our highest ever day for total sales on 23 December and further improvements in customer service metrics. In autocentres we achieved a ninth consecutive quarter of like-for-like growth.”
Halfords’ profit expectations for the current year remain unchanged in the range of £78 million to £82 million.
