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Halfords finds mixed blessings in cold weather Halfords finds mixed blessings in cold weather
(6 months later)
The cold weather has given a welcome boost in sales of car accessories for Halfords but left the retailer struggling to sell bicycles during Easter.The cold weather has given a welcome boost in sales of car accessories for Halfords but left the retailer struggling to sell bicycles during Easter.
Bike sales fell 8.8% in the 11 weeks to the end of March, compared with a year earlier, but car maintenance, which includes items such as windscreen wipers, car batteries and tyre chains, jumped 10.4% over the same period.Bike sales fell 8.8% in the 11 weeks to the end of March, compared with a year earlier, but car maintenance, which includes items such as windscreen wipers, car batteries and tyre chains, jumped 10.4% over the same period.
Chief executive Matt Davies said: "The weather has delayed the start of the cycle season because very few people want to be out in the conditions we have had. I know blaming the weather is the bane of our industry, but this is a business where there is an impact from weather.Chief executive Matt Davies said: "The weather has delayed the start of the cycle season because very few people want to be out in the conditions we have had. I know blaming the weather is the bane of our industry, but this is a business where there is an impact from weather.
"Extreme conditions are good for us because cold weather means an increase in car maintenance, while warm weather sees a boost in bikes. So we are now waiting for the sun to shine and get people to flood to our stores to buy cycles.""Extreme conditions are good for us because cold weather means an increase in car maintenance, while warm weather sees a boost in bikes. So we are now waiting for the sun to shine and get people to flood to our stores to buy cycles."
Like-for-like retail sales were down 0.7% in the past year while autocentre sales were up 7%, with full year pre-tax profits of up to £72m expected.Like-for-like retail sales were down 0.7% in the past year while autocentre sales were up 7%, with full year pre-tax profits of up to £72m expected.
Davies, who joined from Pets at Home last year after former boss David Wild quit following a profit warning, is expected to outline his plans for the business next month.Davies, who joined from Pets at Home last year after former boss David Wild quit following a profit warning, is expected to outline his plans for the business next month.
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