Fuel prices drive Halfords' cycle

CAR parts and leisure retailer Halfords has seen a surge in sales of bicycles after higher fuel prices and promotions boosted demand.

However, it admitted yesterday that it was making less money on each sale and said revenues from camping equipment came under pressure due to June's wet weather. The chain reported like-for-like sales fell by 1.1 per cent in the 13 weeks to 1 July.