Roberts Retailer Spotlight: Potters Home Digital

Could you share a little bit about how Potter’s began and the role your family played?

Potters Home Digital began as ‘Potters Brothers’ in 1913 at 49 High Street, Tenterden, selling sports goods, cars, and entertainment. 

Technology has always been in the family’s DNA. My father’s [Colin Hopley] first job in 1950 was as an apprentice TV Engineer which he always loved. In 1955 he joined Potter’s Brothers as a TV Engineer, then heading into sales, before becoming a partner in Potters. In 1989, and after moving to 7 East Cross, we rebranded as Potters Home Digital and expanded into custom installations. 

I initially started at Potter’s when I was 14 as a Saturday boy and became interested in the sales and business side of the industry. At the time, we were also selling records, cassettes and were one of first place to rent video tapes, which is a time I look back on with real fondness.

Today, the next generation continues that passion through smart home innovation and award-winning tech projects. When Alex Jones and I incorporated Potters, back in 2013, our vision was clear: to create something truly innovative in the home and garden space. 

Over the years, we’ve hit some incredible milestones that I’m proud of. In 2016, we became an official FA supplier, a huge moment for us. Then in 2022, we launched The Smart Home Garden, pushing boundaries in connected living. And between 2021 and 2024, our efforts were recognized with multiple IER, CEDIA, and ERT awards. It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re just getting started.

How has the business evolved and adapted to such an ever-changing tech landscape?

The industry and technology continues to move at pace. We’ve seen so many technologies, product categories, manufacturers come and go in the near 50 years I have been involved, there really is never a dull moment. We have, therefore, had to adapt so much over the years to survive and react to continual challenges, and that’s what I’m most proud of, our adaptability. The tech world really has evolved so much so over the last 20 years so we’ve moved into a lifestyle approach to cinema, media rooms, lighting control, and all things for the smart and modern day connected home.

You’ve been part of your local community for years, how would you describe the relationship between Potter’s and the people around you? 

As one of the oldest, if not eldest, business in our market town of Tenterden, we have a very good customer database and loyalty. There are so few independent brown goods retailers on the High Street nationally now and I am very proud of our heritage and ability to survive and thrive. Our community has certainly helped support that.

Do any particular customer interactions still make you smile when you think about them?

I have known many of our customers for 40 years, so I have grown old with them! Some become good friends, some are very successful and we have developed business relations from that. Over the years some of our suppliers have also enabled me to visit places and countries I would never had otherwise so it’s been a real adventure. This, as well as all the great friends I have made from those who have worked in our industry. 

When are your earliest memories of Roberts?

I was first introduced to the brand in the 1970’s when I first worked for Potters and remember selling Dynatron audio systems alongside Roberts when the brands were bound together so I’ve fondly sold the brand for nearly 50 years. I’ve also sold a number of Roberts radios to a number of renowned TV and radio personalities, celebrities and pop musicians who live in the area who probably, like me, have had their lives exposed to the brand – Roberts truly is part of British heritage!

How have customers responded to Roberts radios over time? 

More than ever, we’re finding people are drawn to the design and colours available. We’ve always had positive feedback about the range, particularly the traditional Revival collection – like so many people, our customers, have a sentimental attachment to listening to Roberts radio at their parents and grandparents’ houses when they were young and before the advent of TV, so there’s a real sense of nostalgia surrounding the brand.

What’s playing in your world right now — an album, a podcast, a radio show, or an audiobook you love?

I cannot work or function without a radio programme on in the background! It’s generally Radio 2 these days, but am a big Soul, Funk, R&B fan and have extensive playlists of these on Deezer which I stream through my radio, speaker or car.