UK retailers shrug off downturn

Sales at Halfords are on the rise despite consumer blues

Halfords, the UK's largest bicycle and car parts retailer, and babycare firm Mothercare have both posted healthy sales growth for 2008 so far.

Halfords saw same-store sales rise 4.6% in the nine weeks from February to March, which included the Easter break.

Mothercare also gave an upbeat trading update, with sales in the three months to end of March up 3.9%, compared with a rise of 3.4% in the previous quarter.

Both firms are seen as bright lights in the retail sector, which is struggling.

Demand for new bicycles and vehicle repairs in the reported period led Halfords to confirm that it would meet its expected profit target for 2008.

Meanwhile, Mothercare, which has recently bought the Early Learning Centre (ELC) children's toy chain for £85m, said a surge in online and catalogue sales had helped its business.

Overseas sales also helped the group, which opened 77 franchise stores abroad last year.