Sales up and profits on track
Halfords has revealed sales were up 9.1 per cent for the 52 weeks to March 30 and forecasts for full-year pre-tax profits are in line with market expectations.

The auto, leisure and cycling products retailer said like-for-like sales rose 6 per cent, or 5.3 per cent on an underlying basis, with a consistent level of growth in all categories.

Halfords chief executive Ian McLeod said: 'We are pleased with this performance, which provides further evidence of Halfords' unique position in the retail market, the strength of its key product categories and its service differentiation.

'Our store development programme continues to progress, with the opening of 25 stores during the year and the development of new formats including standalone Bikehut stores in Brighton and Putney.'

The retailer opened 18 stores during the year and now operates from 426 stores across the UK.