Halfords Group plc has announced sustained progress in the first half of its financial year 2026, with like-for-like sales growth of 4.1% and an unchanged full-year outlook.
The company, which operates 370 Halfords stores and 498 consumer garages across the UK, reported positive performance across both its key divisions. The Retail segment achieved 4.0% like-for-like growth, whilst the Autocentres division posted 4.3% like-for-like growth during the period.
On a reported basis, Group sales grew 3.3%, with Retail up 3.3% and Autocentres increasing 3.4%.
Halfords achieved gross margin expansion year-on-year, building on the strong results delivered in FY25. The improvement was partly driven by planned cost savings designed to help offset inflationary pressures affecting the sector.
The company also reported strong cash generation and disciplined stock management, which has further strengthened its balance sheet from the net cash position reported at the end of FY25.
Looking ahead, Halfords confirmed its full-year outlook remains unchanged, with management stating they remain "comfortable with published consensus" forecasts.
Chief Executive Henry Birch commented: "I am very pleased with our progress in the first half of FY26 and want to thank all our colleagues for their efforts in delivering this performance. I am looking forward to sharing our plans for the future at our interim results announcement next month."
The company plans to publish its interim results on 27 November, which will be accompanied by a more detailed Group strategy update providing further insight into Halfords' future direction.
Halfords' retail network includes two Performance Cycling stores trading as Tredz, alongside approximately 250 mobile service vans operating under the Halfords Mobile Expert and National brands, and around 500 commercial vans serving its 92 commercial fleet locations nationwide.
Tagged with: Halfords trading update, like-for-like sales, motoring services, mobile tyre fitting, commercial fleet tyres, autocentres, UK inflation, gross margin, interim results, digital booking, tyre depots
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