‘Tough environment’ sees sales dip at Halfords
WORCESTERSHIRE retailer Halfords has seen a dip across most of its sectors during 2011.
In a trading update for both Q2 and H1 2011, the Redditch-based bike and car parts chain has seen small falls in sales across its car maintenance and car enhancement lines while overall retail revenues have also dropped.
In the 13 weeks to September 30, 2011, year-on-year sales dropped 2.8% in car maintenance while the six months to September 30 saw a fall of 2.5%.
Revenues in car enhancement fell 8.5% for Q2 and 9.2% for the half year while overall retail sales fell 2% for the quarter and 1.2% for H1.
There was a small climb in leisure sales – 2.2% for Q2 and 4.7% for the half year – while its Autocentres operation has seen a Q2 revenues rise of 10.6% and 9% for the half year.
Total group revenues fell 0.6% in Q2 and 0.1% for H1 and it said today group pre-tax profit for the first half was expected to be around £55m.
Net debt for the half year was expected to be around £145m, it added.
Chief executive David Wild said: “The tough consumer environment which particularly affects motorists is continuing to influence spending patterns.
“We are taking constructive steps to protect our sales and profitability by delivering real value and service to our customers.
“We are carefully managing all aspects of our business to deliver optimal performance for customers and investors alike in these harsh times.”
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