UK Cycle And Car Parts Retailer Halfords To Close 60 Sites

Halfords has announced it is planning to close down 60 stores and garages by next April, even though bike sales have increased during the coronavirus pandemic.

Already having closed its Cycle Republic chain and five stores and garages, the move puts hundreds of jobs at risk, although the retailer says he hopes to be able to move affected staff to other branches.

Halfords, which employs about 10,000 people over 843 sites, first closed its stores during the lockdown period, then gradually reopened as the confinement measures eased, beginning with collection only and finally opening the sites with social distancing measures in place.

Despite a rise in cycling sales during the lockdown, Halfords is the latest victim of the UK High Street and Retail Parks, as a number of retail giants such as Boots, Harveys, and John Lewis have also announced store closures.