The car-parts and bicycle retailer bucked the gloomy retail trend with a 1.7 per cent rise in underlying sales in the 13 weeks to the end of June.

As well as strong demand for motor spares, the company saw growth in in-car technology products, such as satnav systems and stereos.

Bicycle sales were boosted by the expansion of the group’s specialist Bikehut chain, while the growing trend for Britons to holiday at home lifted sales of camping and leisure products after a slow start.

Acting joint managing directors Paul McClenaghan and Nick Whar­ton said the figures underlined Hal­fords’ “resilient and defensive” business.

“Our market-leading positions, extensive ranges and unique service proposition continue to provide us with confidence in delivering full-year earnings in line with our expectations,” they added.

The figures were the last before next month’s arrival of new chief executive David Wild, a former Tesco and Wal-Mart executive.