Halfords gears up for change

Halfords, the 410-strong motor and cycling accessories division of The Boots Group, is considering new store format proposals from a number of design groups.

Ben Kelly Design and Din Associates are believed to be included in what is thought to be a three-strong list. Pentagram partner John McConnell, long-term design consultant to Boots, is understood to be co-ordinating the pitch. He was on annual leave and unavailable for comment, as Design Week went to press.

Halfords head of marketing David Patten confirms the group is in “the early stages” of a store redesign, but declines to comment further.

Ben Kelly Design founder Ben Kelly and Din Associates director John Harvey were also unavailable for comment.

Halfords has a varied portfolio of stores, located in high streets and out-of-town developments. A number of them include car servicing bays.