7th Apr 2005 07:00
Halfords Group PLC07 April 2005 7 April 2005 Halfords Group Plc Trading Update Halfords Group, the UK's leading auto, leisure and cycling products retailer,today releases a trading update for the 52 weeks to 1 April 2005. Sales in the 52 weeks to 1 April 2005 have increased by 8.6 per cent comparedwith the 53 weeks ended 2 April 2004, and by 10.5 per cent compared with the 52week period in the previous year. Like-for-like sales have increased by 8.9 per cent compared with the equivalent52 weeks last year. Underlying LFL sales, excluding stores where a mezzanine hasbeen added, have grown by 8.2 per cent. Halfords Group has achieved sales growth across all four of its key categoriesof car maintenance, car enhancement, cycling, and travel solutions, whilstcontinuing to focus on controlling costs. The Board expects to report results for the financial year in line withmanagement expectations and remains confident about the growth prospects forHalfords as the Group continues to develop its store and product portfolio.Preliminary results for the 52 weeks to 1 April 2005 will be announced on 9 June2005. Enquiries Media:Gainsborough CommunicationsAndy Cornelius 020 7190 1703Julian Walker 020 7190 1705 Analysts:Halfords Group Plc Ian McLeod, Chief ExecutiveNick Carter, Finance Director Notes: Halfords is the UK's leading auto, leisure and cycling products retailer with397 stores and over 9,000 employees. The Group sells 11,000 different product lines and has market leading positionsin four broad product categories; car maintenance, car enhancement, cycling andtravel solutions. Halfords' products range from car parts and cycles through tothe latest in-car entertainment and satellite navigation equipment, alloywheels, child seats, roof boxes and the latest outdoor leisure and campingequipment. Halfords' own brands include Ripspeed, for car enhancement, andBikehut, for cycles and cycling accessories. Stores offer a "We'll fit it"service for baby seats, car phones and car entertainment systems, together withnew concepts such as Kids Zone and Autoclinic. Halfords is a FTSE 250 company. It was established in 1892 and was successfullyfloated on the London Stock Exchange in June 2004. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Halfords