Halfords, ME+EM and French Connection grow

Halfords sales continue to grow

Halfords has kept its full-year profit guidance after reporting first-half like-for-like sales growth of 7.1%.

Retail sales rose by 7.7%, with growth across both motoring and cycling. Its autocentres business also grew strongly, with sales up 6.1%.

Halfords said warm summer weather helped demand for seasonal products. The results also showed the benefits of its mix of retail products and automotive services.

Chief executive Henry Birch said the business had performed positively during the first half. He pointed to progress against its strategic priorities and strong sales in important seasonal categories.

Halfords remains on track for underlying pre-tax profits of between £55 million and £65 million for FY2027.

ME+EM expands internationally

Premium womenswear retailer ME+EM reported another year of strong growth. Revenue increased by 29% to £190 million.

EBITDA rose from £24.2 million to £37 million, while operating profit increased by 30% to £26 million.

ME+EM linked its performance to a focused product strategy. It has expanded important categories including trousers, accessories and occasionwear, supported by targeted marketing.

The US was its strongest market. Revenue there grew by 39% to £65 million, helped by online growth and new stores in Connecticut and California.

Founder and chief executive Clare Hornby said the results showed growing global demand for ME+EM's British modern luxury offer.

Growth has continued, with rolling 12-month revenue reaching £215 million and US sales rising by a further 48% to £84 million. Growth investor Highland Europe has also increased its investment.

ME+EM plans to open its first permanent Paris store during 2027. It will also continue expanding in the US, with new stores in Houston and Los Angeles.

French Connection grows outlet presence

French Connection has opened a new store at Dalton Park, the North East's largest outlet shopping destination.

The 1,569 sq ft store sells menswear and womenswear at outlet prices. It joins brands including Belstaff, Hobbs, Phase Eight and Whistles.

The opening follows strong fashion sales at Dalton Park, where womenswear sales increased by 17.6% year on year.

Nicky Lovell, Head of Designer Outlets and Brand Relationships at Global Mutual, said this performance has created opportunities to bring in more brands that match changing customer demand and shopping habits.

What RHR thinks

We believe these results show that retail growth is still achievable when businesses have a clear offer and deliver it well. Customers continue to spend when they see genuine value, whether through Halfords' specialist services, ME+EM's accessible luxury or branded fashion at outlet prices. ME+EM also shows the international potential of distinctive British fashion brands, particularly in the US. French Connection reflects the strength of outlet retail, while Halfords shows the resilience of service-led retail. For future growth, retailers need to focus on their offer, customer experience, category authority and carefully targeted expansion rather than simply chasing volume.

What this means for hiring. Store expansion at ME+EM and French Connection can affect store managers and sales assistants, while ME+EM's online and international growth also matters for ecommerce and head office roles. Halfords' growth across retail and autocentres keeps attention on both store and automotive service roles.