// Some Halfords stores to remain open despite the coronavirus pandemic
// The retailer maintained its services are essential to “keep the UK moving”
Halfords has said some of its stores will remain open amid the Covid-19 pandemic to “keep the UK moving”.
Following the government’s move to close down all non-essential services earlier this week, most retailers have been forced to temporarily close their stores until further notice.
The British retailer of car parts, car enhancement, tools, camping and touring equipment, argued that key workers such as the British Transport Police and Ministry of Defence staff need their motor fleets to keep running.
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Halfords said it has also stress-tested for a sales fall of 25 per cent – about £300 million – as a result of the pandemic and said it is confident it can operate within its existing debt facilities.
Halfords’ autocentres and vans are still trading and its retail division was “working through a plan to provide partial store coverage from later this week”.
“We are committed to playing our part, but only if we can ensure the health and safety of our colleagues and customers, and we are able to comply with government policy,” Halfords said.
In recent trading, the retailer said it had been trading in line with expectations.
It now anticipates profits this year to be at the lower end of the current guidance range of £50 million to £55 million but “it is not possible to provide meaningful guidance on earnings” for the 2021 financial year.
“The health and safety of our colleagues and customers remain our top priority and we continue to take all appropriate action in line with government advice,” Halfords chief executive Graham Stapleton said.
”Halfords has an essential role to play in keeping the country moving, providing vital support to emergency workers, fleet operations, key workers and the general population as they travel for essential supplies and, where required, attend places of work.
”While significant uncertainty exists on the impact of Covid-19, we are taking immediate and significant measures to contain our costs and protect our financial position.
“We have a strong balance sheet, with significant liquidity headroom and low levels of financial debt.
”This is an unprecedented challenge for all of us, but I am confident that the actions we are taking to successfully navigate the current situation will put the business in a position of strength, enabling us, over the medium term, to refocus on our strategic transformation.”
Last week, Halfords announced plans to shut down its Cycle Republic chain of stores – unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak – putting 226 jobs at risk.
The retailer said it would shut all 22 outlets and its performance centre site in Evesham in a bid to focus on Tredz, its online cycling business.
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