Dashboard cameras drive sales at Halfords, sending the share price up by 9.6 per cent
Like-for-like revenue at retailer Halfords has accelerated 2.6 per cent in is last quarter, and is up 1.7 per cent for the full year.
The car and bike seller has posted an increase in like-for-like revenues of 3.1 per cent in its retail arm and 1.7 per cent in its autocentres compared to the same period last year.
For the quarter the company had a second consecutive period of growth in the sales of bikes but this was offset by a decline in bicycle parts, accessories and clothing. Like-for-like cycling revenues were down 0.9 per cent on the year.
Halfords' travelling section, which sells camping accessories and equipment, did particularly well in the 11 weeks to 1 April, with like-for-like revenues up by 9.5 per cent.
Motoring sales grew, driven by a boost in demand for car cleaning products, travel equipment and dashboard cameras – cameras that film the road while you are driving, providing evidence in a road accident claim.
Halfords' autocentres achieved a tenth consecutive quarter of like-for-like growth.
Chief executive Jill McDonald said:
This was another good trading performance across the group. Retail sales delivered solid growth supported by our service-led offerings and in autocentres our sales continued to grow as we invested in new and refreshed centres. We are on track to meet profit expectations for the year.
Halfords expects profit before tax for the year ended 1 April 2016 to be in the range of £78-82m.
The company will publish its preliminary results for 2016 on 1 June.