UK motoring and cycling retailer Halfords Group plc reported 7.1% growth in group like-for-like (LfL) sales for the 26 weeks ended 2 October 2026, according to a trading update published on 21 October. Retail LfL sales rose 7.7%, with Motoring up 7.3% and Cycling up 8.3%. Autocentres LfL sales, excluding Avayler, increased 6.1%.

Halfords said first-half trading benefited from continued momentum across its businesses and strong demand for seasonal products during the warm summer. Chief Executive Henry Birch said the warm weather had supported seasonal sales.

The company maintained its FY27 underlying profit before tax guidance of £55 million to £65 million. Halfords said strong first-half trading, combined with accelerated investment in marketing and technology in the second half, would mean underlying profit before tax was weighted towards the first half.

Halfords last raised its FY27 underlying profit before tax guidance on 27 August 2026, setting the range at £55 million to £65 million, above the then-consensus estimate of £52.6 million.

Reuters reported that Halfords shares fell by as much as 10% intraday on 21 October. Analysts attributed the decline to disappointment that the company had not raised its full-year guidance further, alongside profit-taking after a substantial share-price rally earlier in the year.

Halfords is scheduled to publish its FY27 interim results on 26 November 2026. 

Photo: Halfords