Established in the 1970s, HBH Woolacotts’ journey began in Bude in July 1976, thanks to founder Ted Hemmerle’s vision.
Their commitment to quality products and customer service quickly led to growth, with expansions into Launceston and Holsworthy by 1979.
The 1990s saw further progress with the opening of the UK’s first Panasonic Technics Centre in Plymouth (recently rebranded to Panasonic Store) on New George Street in 1990, followed by a Wadebridge location in 1994, extending their reach within Cornwall. The early 2000s solidified their regional presence with new branches in Liskeard and Bodmin in March 2003.
A key development in their strategy was the move towards larger retail spaces. Their first superstore opened in St Austell in May 2012. Most recently, their flagship retail superstore opened in Coypool, Plympton, in September 2017, a testament to their continued success and growth since their early days. A new superstore is currently in development in Barnstaple, North Devon, and is scheduled to open Autumn 2025.
The Plymouth superstore highlights their strong brand partnerships with dedicated sections for Sony, Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Dyson and Smeg showcasing their specialised knowledge and relationships with some of the industry’s leading brands. What’s particularly noteworthy is that HBH Woolacotts has remained a family-run business across three generations, from Ted Hemmerle to Martin and Chris Hemmerle, demonstrating their long-term commitment and values, centered around their motto: “Happy to Be Helpful.”
Initially offering essential household items, HBH Woolacotts has evolved to provide a wide range of electrical goods from leading manufacturers at prices to suit all budgets and requirements. Their emphasis is on helping customers to make informed decisions through comprehensive staff training, ensuring knowledgeable and helpful advice is always available.
Their enduring success is built on a strong focus on their customers, dedicated staff, and the local community. Marketing Director Chris Hemmerle emphasizes their key strengths as
“consistent delivery of excellent customer service, the friendly and long-standing nature of our team, and our ability to offer competitive pricing while maintaining a personal, local business feel.”
He also notes that their family ownership allows for quick and efficient decision-making, maintaining high standards within a positive work environment.
Their strategic approach includes active marketing and their own logistics, which include a network of delivery and installation teams to support free next day delivery and a field based service network to support both warranty and out of warranty repairs. HBH Woolacotts’ positive customer experience is driven by a helpful team with a positive attitude, a knowledgeable workforce, and a carefully selected range of products at competitive prices, plus a full range of support services.
for more information please visit: www.hbh-woolacotts.co.uk
