Halfords Group plc, which is among the United Kingdoms largest bicycle, outdoor leisure and camping equipment retailers, released preliminary figures showing that same-store sales at its cycling stores declined 8.8 percent and 3.4 percent respectively for the 11 and 13 week periods ended March 29, 2013.


The company said that despite a late start to the cycling season, premium cycle sales were resilient and online parts, accessory and clothing sales increased by 26.5 percent ahead of the full-scale online launch this year.

Cycling sales for the 12 months ended March 29 were down 0.6 percent. The company said it expects to meet prior guidance for the quarter thanks in part to a 10.4 percent increase in retail sales by its auto parts stores.

The prolonged winter period resulted in a year-on-year change in the sales mix in the period, benefitting Car Maintenance whilst having a marked dampening effect on our outdoor-focused categories, such as Cycling and Travel Solutions, the company reported.

Halfords more than 460 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland sell automotive, leisure and cycling products. The company also operates a chain of 280 auto service centers.


Halfords own brands include the in-store Bikehut department, for cycles and cycling accessories, Apollo and Carrera cycles and exclusive UK distribution rights of the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment, branded Urban Escape.