Halfords continued its positive growth this quarter, with motoring and bike sales rising out of last year’s rough patch.

In the 11 weeks to April 1st the chain enjoyed 3.1% growth in like-for-like retail sales, whilst group like-for-likes rose 2.6%.

Following a weak winter period, cycling sales increased 1.9% compared to the same period last year. The quarter was not fully positive, with bike clothing, accessories and parts sales declining. Over the full year, cycling sales slipped by 0.9%.

Motoring saw a 3.5% rise this quarter, against what Boss Jill McDonald called “tough comparatives”. In car “dash cams”, travel equipment and car cleaning products helped drive sales, and Halfords' Autocentres managed to increase its own sales by 1.7%, making this its tenth consecutive quarter for growth.
Jill McDonald said: “This was another good trading performance across the group.”

Halfords began to address emerging issues with its technology offer this quarter. With the threat of more manufacturers selling “smart cars” that offer electronic functions traditionally sold separately, there is speculation that Halfords may move to update its services offer based on improved digital interaction and the internet of things.