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.
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.
