Tour de France excitement combined with good weather got cycling sales off to a good start, both online and off, in the first quarter of Halfords’ financial year.
The automotive-to-cycling equipment multichannel retailer said ecommerce sales lifted by 13.1% in the first quarter of its financial year, compared to the same time last year, driven by sales of bikes and related equipment. The cycling trend was pronounced across the Halfords’ business, with like-for-like cycling sales up by 21.3% and premium bike sales up by 35.1% in the 13 weeks to June 27.
They helped lift retail sales by 7.7% in the period, while autocentres revenue was up by 9.4%. Across the group, total and like-for-like sales rose by 7.9%.
Matt Davies, chief executive, said: “Halfords continued to drive top-line growth in the quarter, with the Cycling category delivering another exceptional performance. Our actions resulted in growth across all elements of Cycling reflecting our continued focus in the category, enhanced by favourable weather and increased interest in the Tour de France.”
