New Products Pedal in for Christmas

05/10/2007

Halfords, a bicycles-to-car parts chain, will expand into central Europe. The group announced plans to open two more branches in time for the Christmas party and holiday season this year. The company already opened stores in the Czech Republic this summer.

Chief Executive Ian McLeod says Halfords is looking at expanding into Slovakia or Southern Poland.

He said: "The Czech Republic is very well located in the centre of a cluster of neighbouring countries. It's a much better market for us than Western Europe – which is mature and well-established. The economic growth is encouraging and the average car is older than in the UK."

The group currently has more than 400 stores based in Britain. With plans to expand during the Christmas party and holiday season, fear of a drop in consumer spending has not bothered McLeod. He’s confident in the specialty products Halfords offers: "I'm not saying we are immune, but we are robust and resilient. We are not so influenced by the seasons or the economy, as some retailers are."

Halfords offers ideas for Christmas party gifts such as camping equipment and a re-developed cycling range. One set of new cycles is designed by former gold medal Olympic champion Chris Boardman.

Halfords executives say the last 6 months proved well for profits and they have confidence in sales for the run up to the Christmas party and holiday season.