‘I’m just nipping down to Halfords’ are safe words for a Saturday morning. Family members know where you’re going. What you’re going for. And roughly when you will get back. Domestic harmony maintained.
Halfords has been a part of my life for most of it. My first bikes – both Raleighs – were from their store in Worcester. Since graduating to motoring I’m not sure I’ve bought a car battery, wiper blade, washing sponge or air freshener anywhere else. Not even on Ebay or Amazon. Don’t need to.
Today I’m in for a windscreen stone chip repair on the old Range Rover. My second in 3 months. And last year I was here in the Jag for the same reason. Some years you get lucky… and some you don’t.
I love being able to book a slot online. Makes things easy. And when you rock up they quickly check it really is a chip and not a fully cracked screen. (You’d be surprised.. apparently.) After that it’s a quick 15 minute job. Meaning you can sprint over to Starbucks for a coffee or stay inside and slowly browse the aisles for car shampoo.
Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
Andrew Greenhalgh 