Freezing weather sent bicycle sales tumbling at Halfords but boosted sales of de-icer and screenwash, allowing the retailer to maintain positive momentum for the year.
The car parts and leisure firm, which trades from 460 stores in the UK and Ireland, posted like-for-like sales growth of 0.4% in the 11 weeks to the end of March, helping underlying sales for its full year to the end of March increase by 0.3%.
A delayed start to the season drove bike sales down 8.8% during the 11 weeks, leading to an overall decline of 0.6% for the full year.
Growth in premium bike brands, such as Carrera and its range from Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman, plus a 26.5% surge in online parts, accessory and clothing sales, were not enough to offset the weather effect.
But car maintenance sales increased 10.4% during its final quarter, boosted by strong demand for wiper blade fitting and de-icing products.
That helped underlying maintenance sales grow 5.1% for the year.
Its overall retail arm increased underlying sales 0.3% during the quarter, while sales in its Autocentres division were 0.8% ahead.
The company, due to update on its strategy on May 23, expects to deliver pre-tax profits of £68 million to £72m for the year.
Halfords has plans for a big expansion in the fragmented car repair market, and opened 23 new Autocentres to take its total to 283.
It expects to open a further 20 to 30 outlets during the new financial year, but chief executive Matt Davies said it was focused on developing quality sites rather than just adding to its overall estate.
“This was a robust performance demonstrating how the balance of our business can offset some variations in the weather,” Mr Davies said.
“Car maintenance sales were strong as we helped motorists cope with the freezing conditions, and this endorses our strategy of investment in our unique WeFit offer,” he said.
“Cycling and travel solutions were impacted in the period but we have a strong offer ready for the spring and summer periods.”
Shares were 17.2p higher at 333.3p.
business@thecourier.co.uk