Halfords goes mobile with car parts sales

Halfords has launched a new text messaging service to help it sell more automotive products.

The “Text and Reserve” service allows shoppers to look up products, locate their nearest store with stock, reserve and collect the product – all from their mobile phone.

Customers key in their registration number and the service automatically recommends the right car parts or products for their make and model of car.

Initially, the service will support motor vehicle parts, including oil, bulbs, batteries and wiper blades.

The parts and accessories giant hopes to extend the offering to non-motor products at a later date.

Sam Ambrose, Halfords’ web development manager, said: “We can now maintain relationships with our customers wherever they are, allowing us to promote and market to them more effectively.”

Neil Stewart, commercial director for Salmon, which developed the service, added: “A new study by Gartner suggests mobile ad spending will grow 74% this year to US$913.5m and explode by 2011.

“The opportunities presented by the mobile channel are considerable and can contribute to revenue growth and internal cost efficiencies.”