Halfords CEO “pleased” with first half progress

Halfords has said it made sustained progress in the first half of its financial year as it kept its outlook for the full year unchanged.

In a trading update ahead of its results for the 26 weeks to 26 September, the motoring and cycling retailer reported a 4.1% increase in like-for-like sales after retail and autocentres like-for-likes rose by 4% and 4.3%, respectively.

Halfords also reported gross margin expansion year-on-year, which was partly driven by “planned cost savings to help mitigate inflationary pressures”.

Henry Birch, Halfords chief executive, said: “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.”

Angela Beevers Director of Content & Events Strategy

Angela Beevers is Director of Content & Events Strategy at The Retail Bulletin, where she has worked since 2011. She leads the publication's news team and oversees its daily coverage of the UK retail sector, from breaking developments to the early-morning release of retailers' trading updates and financial results. Over more than 15 years at The Retail Bulletin, she has interviewed many of the industry's most innovative founders and leaders. She also shapes content for The Retail Bulletin's events and leads delegate engagement for its most high-profile events. Her areas of focus include: Retail news · Trading updates and financial results · Retail leadership · Industry events

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