HALFORDS WELCOMES LBC DIGITAL COMMITMENT
Leading in-car technology retailer Halfords has welcomed the news that flagship London radio station LBC will be broadcast nationally from next week as part of Global Radio’s long-term commitment to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB).
The news is further evidence of the rise of digital radio and supports Halfords intention to sell and fit only digital receivers into customers’ vehicles from 2015.
LBC, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, will go national on DAB from 11 February after parent company Global Radio successfully secured a licence from broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
Commenting on the news, Halfords technology category manager Jon Oliver said: “LBC is a hugely popular station - regularly attracting over 1 million listeners a week - and digital broadcasting will now enable it to reach a completely fresh audience.
“Our customers tell us that they value the added station choice that digital radio brings and as more and more stations switch to digital or expand their reach using the technology it will undoubtedly help drive the spread of digital listening.”
Government Minster Ed Vaizey declared that digital was the future for radio in the UK in December when he initiated the process to allow more national commercial stations to launch - a process that will see LBC rebrand from London's Biggest Conversation to Leading Britain's Conversation this month.
There are over 30 million car owners that have yet to adopt digital radio technology and Halfords - whose trained fitters have carried out 130,000 audio installations at its 466 stores - is working very closely with the digital industry to ensure it is well placed to meet the expected surge in demand.
As well as “while you wait” audio fitting, Halfords has developed its own exclusive brand of DAB products in partnership with market-leading digital radio maker Pure in addition to offering digital converter kits – making DAB listening available from £49 plus £29.99.
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Media contact: Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at over 460 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 300 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
The Halfords group strategy is based on three pillars:
· Supporting Drivers Of Every Car
· Inspiring Cyclists Of Every Age
· Equipping Families For Their Leisure Time
The Getting into Gear 2016 plan for the Retail business is based on executing in five key areas in order to deliver a significantly-enhanced customer experience:
· Service Revolution
· The H Factor
· Stores Fit To Shop
· 21stCentury Infrastructure
· Click With The Digital Future
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycling, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Gelert and Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.
