Halfords sales decline as fuel costs hit motorists
CAR parts and bicycles retailer Halfords said the soaring cost of fuel has forced cash-strapped motorists to reduce mileage and scrimp on expenditure on their beloved cars.
Motorists’ average mileage was down one to two per cent, the company said, while petrol has risen 15 per cent year-on-year.
“When you are seeing the scale of fuel price increases that we are, it is inevitable that customers will look for ways to save money,” chief executive David Wild said.
“Customers are pushing back spend on car servicing. If they do not defer a service then they will go for an interim service rather than a full service.
“They wait until the light comes on before they check their oil,” added Wild.
Sales at its Autocentres car servicing chain in the UK fell 5.1 per cent and it is planning to increase promotional activity to stimulate trade.