Halfords

I went to this store recently to have headlights replaced, this is something I would usually do myself but with the new car I had no idea where to even start!
I used their online facilities to get the details of the bulbs I needed so I could go in and lift them with no hassle. It was really handy, you just types in the reg and it gives you the list of spares. I paid at the till and arranged for them to fit the bulbs at a price of £7 each bulb, £30 including the bulbs + fitting which on a dark rainy day wasn’t too bad. He fitted them pretty quick and easily.
All around the store and fitting area it states they would check and top up water and oil levels whilst they were fitting the bulbs however this wasn’t offered at the time.
There was a very elderly lady pulled up and looked like she needed assistance. The staff member bitched about her whilst changing my bulbs and made no attempt to help her or approach her to offer any level of customer service. I was really disappointed. I have worked in customer service for 14 years and I think his behaviour was inexcusable.
I would recommend Halfords to anyone who can’t change minor things on their car and are happy to pay someone else too but I don’t think I would use this particular one in a hurry.

Helpful staff, and a tidy well organised store with the occasional bargain for the techies amongst us!

Like I said in an earlier review, proper mechanics go to a proper motor factor, but for emergencies you have to go to Halfords because filling stations have turned into faux-​supermarkets.
The tools are rather good for «own brand» stuff, seemingly made by the same people as more expensive gear, certainly the couple of things I have bought have been rather good, although I have had to show the young lady what I wanted from the display case as she hadn’t a clue what I was talking about!
When my dear lady was wanting to purchase a Sat-​nav and the staff in Newtownabbey couldn’t be arsed to wake up and serve me, we retired to Connswater where a bright young man not only recommended us a sat-​nav, but also wisely got the missus to purchase a case too.
When my ancient Audi decided to split a a vacuum hose one night, I was able to purchase a jubilee clip, but also borrow a screwdriver to make a quick bodge to get me going, a little touch that makes all the difference.

Halfords is a pretty good car brand. They have only just began popping up all over Northern Ireland in the last few years and I like the range of car care items, in car audio and accessories and biking equipment, but I have a few issues with Halfords, and this branch in particular.
First of all, their own brand range isn’t of a great quality. True enough it is cheaper than other alternatives, but it is low quality, as I can profess when I had to bring back windscreen wipers I bought here three times.
My most important qualm is to beware the online reserve and collect service. I wanted to get a bike for my girlfriends birthday, despite the fact that she is 21 and not 10, though I suppose that is a good thing or certain authorities would be after me after that admission!
I reserved a bike in here as it is my nearest store. I even rang the day before I collected to check everything was going to be ok. Once I arrived, not only was my bike not ready, but it was out of stock in the store entirely.
You would think this would warrant an apology but I got the surliest manager imaginable who showed no remorse for the event, and didn’t even try and help me find something else in store or another Halfords.
I ended up getting something in a Halford’s in Downpatrick which I received excellent service, but I will never walk i this store again, despite it having a bigger selection. Service is important, and the staff here need to realise it.