Halfords reports cycle sales grew 8.3% in peak 2026 season

Cycling’s peak selling season coincides with the reporting period for Halford’s latest trading update (the 26 weeks ending 2 October 2026) which tells the tale of a strong market – Halfords say cycling like-for-like sales up 8.3% in the period.

That is no small achievement – the similar period last year saw cycling sales grow 9% (in the 26 weeks to 26 September 2025).

Based on those results, trade pundits will be tempted to draw the conclusion that the cycle market is finally moving on from a torrid period following the Covid lockdown boom and bust, which saw multiple businesses enter administration and trim headcounts (including this year).

Cycling wasn’t the only strong performer for the large retailer. Its overall retail like-for-like sales grew 7.7% with motoring up 7.3%. The Autocentres business also saw sales grow (6.1%).

“Strong demand for seasonal categories through the summer months” helped buoy the results, as well as “momentum across the business”.

Henry Birch, Chief Executive of Halfords, commented: “The business continued to perform positively through the first half as we benefited from good execution against our strategic priorities and strong sales of seasonal categories through the warm summer weather. We move into the second half with confidence and look forward to sharing more detail on our progress at our interim results announcement later next month.”

The full HY27 interim results are scheduled for 26 Nov 2026.

Halfords’ Commercial Director Pippa Wibberley recently spoke out on CIN about the industry’s role on eBike safety.