Case Study:
Halfords Autocentres – Rebranding and Refresh of Former National Tyres Locations.
Following Halfords’ acquisition of National Tyres & Autocare in December 2021, the company launched a nationwide programme to rebrand and refurbish over 600 branches across the UK. Since mid-2023, The Tint Shop has supported this initiative, providing specialist window tinting, manifestation graphics, frosted films, and coloured vinyl coverings as part of the ongoing store refresh.
Our work ensures consistent glazing solutions that complement the new branding while enhancing privacy, safety, and customer experience. By combining practical functionality with visual appeal, we help Halfords deliver professional, welcoming environments for both staff and customers.
Project Scope
Each branch presented its own requirements, reflecting variations in size, layout, and existing glass finishes. The tint shop provided tailored glazing solutions, including:
- Window tinting to match existing tinted panels, maintaining a uniform appearance across the store.
- Frosted films for partitioned areas, offering privacy while still allowing natural light to illuminate interiors.
- Coloured vinyl overlays to update old signage and branding elements.
- Manifestation graphics on glass to improve visibility and enhance safety for staff and customers.
Every installation was planned to align with ongoing refurbishment works, ensuring minimal disruption to trading activities while maintaining a high-quality finish.
Challenges
Delivering consistent results across multiple branches required careful coordination. Variations in glass sizes, glazing types, and previous treatments demanded bespoke planning for each site. Many branches remained operational during installations, necessitating flexible scheduling and precise execution to avoid impacting staff or customers.
Colour matching was another key challenge. Vinyl overlays needed to accurately replicate Halfords’ corporate palette, while tinted panels had to harmonise with existing glass. Frosted films and manifestation graphics also had to meet exacting standards, combining durability with aesthetic appeal.
Approach
The Tint Shop worked closely with the Halfords refurbishment team to develop detailed plans for every branch. Each project began with a survey of the glazing, measuring panels, assessing existing tints, and identifying areas for privacy or branding films.
Window tinting was applied to ensure consistent shading and alignment with surrounding glass. Frosted films provided discreet partitioning, creating visual separation without obstructing light. Coloured vinyl refreshed old signage, giving each branch a modern, vibrant appearance. Manifestation graphics were positioned to enhance safety while contributing to the overall visual identity.
All installations were executed efficiently, with teams working around operational hours to minimise disruption. Films were applied cleanly, with attention to detail ensuring smooth edges, uniform adhesion, and a polished finish.
Results
The ongoing rebrand has delivered clear benefits for Halfords:
- Consistent branding and appearance across multiple branches.
- Improved privacy in partitioned areas without sacrificing natural light.
- Enhanced safety and visibility through carefully positioned manifestation graphics.
- Durable, high-quality finishes that withstand daily use.
- Efficient integration with refurbishment schedules, allowing stores to remain open throughout the work.
By combining professional glazing solutions with careful planning, the tint shop has helped Halfords create refreshed environments that are visually appealing, functional, and safe for both staff and customers.
Ongoing Partnership
The partnership between Halfords and The Tint Shop continues as the rebrand progresses across the UK. Our teams remain involved in each refurbishment phase, providing expert guidance on film selection, installation techniques, and integration with broader fit-out works.
Each installation reflects the same high standards of craftsmanship, ensuring that Halfords’ brand identity is consistently represented across all branches while maintaining practicality, safety, and comfort for staff and customers.
