This July marks a golden milestone for one of the South West’s most enduring family success stories. Exactly 50 years after Ted Hemmerle first opened the doors of a small electrical shop in Bude, HBH Woolacotts is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and what a journey it has been from 1976 to 2026.
While the technology has changed from the chunky cathode-ray tube TVs of the seventies to the ultra-slim 8K OLED screens of today, the heartbeat of the company remains the same as it was half a century ago.
A Half-Century of Evolution
The story of HBH Woolacotts is one of steady, community-focused growth. After proving its mettle in Cornwall, the company set its sights on Plymouth in 1990, establishing the UK’s very first Panasonic Store. It was a bold move that paid off, cementing a relationship with Britain’s Ocean City that has only grown stronger over the last five decades.
Today, the flagship Plymouth superstore at Coypool, which incorporates the Panasonic Store and Sony Centre, is a go-to for tech enthusiasts and home-makers alike. It represents the pinnacle of a journey that saw the business expand from its Bude roots into a regional powerhouse.
“It’s incredible to look back at how far we’ve come,” says Director Chris Hemmerle. “In 1976, things like the internet or flat-screen TVs were the stuff of science fiction. Today, we’re helping people build fully integrated smart homes. But even with the products, brands and stores, the most important part of our business is still the person standing in front of us and it’s more important than ever that we remain a customer focused business.”
A Celebration for Everyone
To mark the big 5-0, HBH Woolacotts are celebrating the occasion with a selection of events, offers, promotions, videos and competitions throughout the year, across all branches, including the bustling Plymouth store. The aim is to highlight the local partnerships and community-focused service that have made the company a household name and a trusted retailer in the region.
The celebrations aren’t just about looking back, however. The company continues to invest heavily in the local economy, employing almost 200 staff and maintaining their own dedicated logistics and in-house service departments. In an age where many retailers are moving purely online, HBH Woolacotts remains committed to a high-street presence and “real people” service.
Three Generations, One Motto
Perhaps the most touching part of the 50th anniversary is the family legacy, with the founding principles of Ted Hemmerle still guiding every delivery and installation. From Ted to current Managing Director Martin Hemmerle and Director Chris Hemmerle, the “family-run” feel remains at the core of everything they do.
“Reaching fifty years isn’t just a testament to the products we sell, but to the values my grandfather started with,” Chris Hemmerle adds. “We’ve always believed that if you look after your customers and your staff, the rest takes care of itself. We’re looking forward to upholding these values for years to come.”
As they blow out the candles on their 50th birthday cake, the team at HBH Woolacotts isn’t slowing down. With a state-of-the-art superstore recently opened in Barnstaple and a continued focus on expert staff training, they are already looking toward the next 50 years of serving the South West.
HBH Woolacotts – 50 Years of Being ‘Happy to Help’
