Pre Close Trading Update

Halfords Group PLC 04 October 2007 Halfords Group plc ('Halfords') Pre Close Trading Update 4 October 2007 Halfords, the UK's leading auto, leisure and cycling products retailer today issues the following trading update for the 26 weeks to 28 September 2007. Sales for the 26 weeks to 28 September 2007 increased by 8.5% over the equivalent period in 2006 and like-for-like sales increased by 5.5%. Gross profit percentage remains in line with expectation, reflecting balanced sales growth across all core categories and ongoing sourcing benefits. Ian McLeod, Chief Executive, said: 'Our sales and service strategy, particularly in cycling and camping, has delivered an improvement in like-for-like sales growth against strong comparatives last year. This result continues to demonstrate both Halfords' resilience and its defensive qualities, underpinning our confidence for the second half.' Interim Results Halfords will announce its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 28 September 2007 on Thursday, 22 November 2007. A presentation for analysts and investors will be held at 9.30 a.m. at the City Presentation Centre, 4 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4UP. For further information: Media College Hill Andy Cornelius 0207 457 2822 Duncan Murray 0207 457 2823 Analysts Halfords Group plc Tony Newbould, Investor Relations 07753 809522 Notes to Editors: Halfords Group plc www.halfords.co.uk www.halfordscompany.co.uk Established in 1892 as F.W. Rushbrooke and subsequently renamed Halfords in 1907, the Company was floated on the London Stock Exchange in June 2004. The Group employs in excess of 10,500 staff and sells 11,000 different product lines, ranging from car parts and cycles through to the latest in-car technology, alloy wheels, child seats, roof boxes and outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords' own brands include Ripspeed, for car enhancement, Bikehut, for cycles and cycling accessories, including the Apollo and Carrera brands and Urban Escape for its premium range of camping equipment. Operating from 433 stores, including one store in the Czech Republic, 17 smaller format, neighbourhood, stores and two standalone Bikehuts (located in Brighton and Putney), Halfords offers a 'we fit' service for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a 'we repair' service for cycles. Halfords announced on 8 June 2006 its intention to buy back £50m of its own shares over a two-year period. Since announcing its share buy-back programme Halfords has purchased 12,550,956 of its own shares for an aggregate consideration of £43,469,095 at an average share price of 346.3 pence. ENDS This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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