Retail chain, Halfords has recorded an increase of 8.8 per cent in sales during the first quarter of the year till July backed by strong demand for bikes, cycle repairs and Lycra riding wear.

The company recorded an increase of 15.5 per cent in revenues from cycling in the three month period as consumers increased demand for due to the impact of the current Tour de France as well as the previous year's Olympics in the UK. The company said that the demand for bike repair work rose 32 per cent and it also started selling more parts, accessories and kit on its website.

The company also said that the consumers in the UK are spending more on car repairs as its revenues from motor maintenance increased 16.7 per cent in the quarter. The company started fitting light bulbs, blades, batteries and topping up oil promising to be 50 per cent cheaper than dealerships. The total sales increased 7.8 per cent due to the seven new sites opening in the quarter. The company is still recording a decline in child car seat sales in the country.

Matt Davies, the chief executive, said, "Our retail performance reflected better trading execution in areas of opportunity whilst we were up against a weak comparative period. We are in the early stages of our Getting Into Gear
2016 plan [improving customer service, redesigning stores and developing the shop's website], designed to significantly improve our retail customer experience. Our focus is on delivering this plan over the medium term to drive sustainable and profitable revenue growth."