Stepping up a gear: Halfords pleases after sales momentum builds over summer

Halfords has shrugged off “challenging” market conditions to post a hike in sales. The car parts and bikes group posted a 2.6 per cent rise in like-for-like retail revenues for the 20 weeks to 17 August. Motoring sales were the star performer in the retail arm, thanks to strong demand for staycation-related products over the summer, as well as growth in fitting services, car cleaning products and tools. Bike sales edged up 0.8 per cent after a hit from cold weather in early spring and the timing of Easter, although the group said it enjoyed a good peak summer selling period.