Discussion
Like them or loathe them, Halfords provide a quick and easy way for many of us to get the bits and pieces we need.
I could browse the wipers, bulbs etc etc while making my mind up. No longer it seems. They have just remodelled the one near me in Chingford on the North Circular Road. A style that I believe is going to roll out.
Popping in for an air filter for the kids car, in a rush, I discover that I have to queue for the one serving 'technician' who then looks it up and goes to get it.
Apparantly this is designed to serve more customers (how?) and reduce theft.
Well, I've got no intention of stealing anything and why would I go there to wait to be served by a teenager when I can go to my local motor factor and get served quicker.
Anyone else seen the new model Halfords. Terrific way to lose customers as far as I can see.
I could browse the wipers, bulbs etc etc while making my mind up. No longer it seems. They have just remodelled the one near me in Chingford on the North Circular Road. A style that I believe is going to roll out.
Popping in for an air filter for the kids car, in a rush, I discover that I have to queue for the one serving 'technician' who then looks it up and goes to get it.
Apparantly this is designed to serve more customers (how?) and reduce theft.
Well, I've got no intention of stealing anything and why would I go there to wait to be served by a teenager when I can go to my local motor factor and get served quicker.
Anyone else seen the new model Halfords. Terrific way to lose customers as far as I can see.
Does it sound like it could be one of these?
http://www.halfordscompany.com/strategy/retail-sto...
http://www.halfordscompany.com/strategy/retail-sto...
said:
New store formats are also being investigated in highly populated urban locations where very significant range and layout changes are based upon local demographics. Halfords has pilot stores in London where as much as 60% of range is focused on cycles and accessories.
Hopefully it won't roll out across all the stores, then. If I want a 20" wiper I can pick one up myself, thanks.silverthorn2151 said:
Popping in for an air filter for the kids car, in a rush, I discover that I have to queue for the one serving 'technician' who then looks it up and goes to get it.
great - the last bulb I had to get, the Halford's chart was wrong but as I had the bulb in hand I could go through the one's on display and find the right one.There was an extensive thread about Halfords some months back.. actually I felt the majority of people thought they did a pretty good job. They have a good range of stuff, and lets be honest - when the sun suddenly decides to come out on a Sunday afternoon and you fancy washing the car or replacing tired wiper blades and you haven't planned ahead, where else are you gonna go? I think, as far as other companies go, really aren't that bad.
Halfords is the last place I'd buy parts from. More expensive than any factors, aren't likely to carry stock for my cars and the staff aren't usually clued up or interested (mostly hot 18 year old chicks in my local).
The luxury of multiple cars is I'm never in a rush on a Sunday afternoon for bits. Batteries, wipers and most fluids are cheaper from a dealer for me, too.
On the other hand, it's the only place to easily buy a can of paint and prep. materials, so it has it's place I guess. Tools are good, too.
The luxury of multiple cars is I'm never in a rush on a Sunday afternoon for bits. Batteries, wipers and most fluids are cheaper from a dealer for me, too.
On the other hand, it's the only place to easily buy a can of paint and prep. materials, so it has it's place I guess. Tools are good, too.
To be fair, they're no different from most motor-factors.They all serve from behind a counter, with the rest of the shop full of tat, laid out in a way to make you browse the store and pick up stuff you didn't go in for.
It took me 20 minutes to get some glow plugs from Euro Car Parts yesterday. It took more time for the employee to ask for all my individual details, enter them into the system and search for the part than it did for me to do the same on WAP on my mobile. Ridiculous.
Halfords are stupidly expensive for parts though. But then they are open 7 days, usually til 8pm. This can be quite handy if you tend to work on your car on a Sunday, or after work during the week. Swings n' roundabouts!
It took me 20 minutes to get some glow plugs from Euro Car Parts yesterday. It took more time for the employee to ask for all my individual details, enter them into the system and search for the part than it did for me to do the same on WAP on my mobile. Ridiculous.
Halfords are stupidly expensive for parts though. But then they are open 7 days, usually til 8pm. This can be quite handy if you tend to work on your car on a Sunday, or after work during the week. Swings n' roundabouts!
zeduffman said:
Does it sound like it could be one of these?
http://www.halfordscompany.com/strategy/retail-sto...
http://www.halfordscompany.com/strategy/retail-sto...
said:
New store formats are also being investigated in highly populated urban locations where very significant range and layout changes are based upon local demographics. Halfords has pilot stores in London where as much as 60% of range is focused on cycles and accessories.
Hopefully it won't roll out across all the stores, then. If I want a 20" wiper I can pick one up myself, thanks.Halfords website also said:
Our superstores are typically 7,500–10,000 sq.ft. of retail space located on out of town retail shopping parks. Of the approximately 400 superstores, 240 have a mezzanine floor. On average superstores employ 20 colleagues with speciality training across most areas of service. A superstore has a typical range of 10,000 products.
Pull the other, it plays jingle bells...
The angel eye bulb on my missus' E92 went and despite having googled the problem and knowing EXACTLY which bulb it was, the Halfrauds monkey who proffered his assistance flatly refused to listen to what I was asking for and proceeded to try and sell me completely the wrong one. It was only after popping the bonnet and having a look at the light assembly that he actually backed down. I decided not to take advantage of their 'we fit bulbs' service, after they neglected to fasten the access panel to the headlight in the wheel arch on the Z4 we used to own, along with nearly snapping the numberplate bulb housing off on the same visit. DO NOT LET HALFRAUDS NEAR YOUR CAR....
Ninjaboy said:
Halfords is s
t, they drove all the motor factors out of business and now push out cheap stty bikes and camping equipment and even dable in mobility stuff. I guess soon they will be doing pay day fking loans.
Yawnt, they drove all the motor factors out of business and now push out cheap stty bikes and camping equipment and even dable in mobility stuff. I guess soon they will be doing pay day fking loans. The board man bikes they sell are damn good. If you don't like Halfords then go somewhere else. Oh hang on, most shops are 9-5 ..
Ninjaboy said:
Halfords is st, they drove all the motor factors out of business and now push out cheap stty bikes and camping equipment and even dable in mobility stuff. I guess soon they will be doing pay day fking loans.
Yawnt, they drove all the motor factors out of business and now push out cheap stty bikes and camping equipment and even dable in mobility stuff. I guess soon they will be doing pay day fking loans. The board man bikes they sell are damn good. If you don't like Halfords then go somewhere else. Oh hang on, most shops are 9-5 ..
Ninjaboy said:
Halfords is st, they drove all the motor factors out of business and now push out cheap stty bikes and camping equipment and even dable in mobility stuff. I guess soon they will be doing pay day fking loans.
Yawnt, they drove all the motor factors out of business and now push out cheap stty bikes and camping equipment and even dable in mobility stuff. I guess soon they will be doing pay day fking loans. The board man bikes they sell are damn good. If you don't like Halfords then go somewhere else. Oh hang on, most shops are 9-5 ..
Halfords has it's uses, handy with a trade card and they do run some very good deals on oils etc. I find them very expensive for bulbs, wipers etc but sometimes there opening hours suit me better although I try and visit my local car accessory/motor factors as they are usually cheaper.
The place is great with a trade card, as such much cheaper for filters and OEM specific oil like castrol edge etc.
I too have often used their services at times when others are simply not open.
Bit of a shame if they change my local one around as I prefer to get all my bits off the shelf, check they are correct and get myself off to the till.
Time to make a note of the part numbers for my filters then, save the hassle at the desk.
I too have often used their services at times when others are simply not open.
Bit of a shame if they change my local one around as I prefer to get all my bits off the shelf, check they are correct and get myself off to the till.
Time to make a note of the part numbers for my filters then, save the hassle at the desk.
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