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                                   EXHIBIT 5.1
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                                                    Writer's Direct Dial Number:
                                                                  (216) 696-3431


                                October 14, 1997


Roberds, Inc.
1100 East Central Avenue
Dayton, Ohio  45449-1888

Gentlemen:

         As special securities counsel for Roberds, Inc., an Ohio corporation
(the "Company"), we are familiar with the Registration Statement on Form S-8,
referred to herein as the "Registration Statement", to be filed on or about
October 14, 1997 by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to
350,000 of the Company's Common Shares, without par value (the "Shares") and an
indeterminate number of plan interests (the "Interests") issuable pursuant to
the Roberds, Inc. Amended Employee Stock Purchase Plan, effective May 13, 1997
(the "Plan").

         In connection with the foregoing, we have examined (a) the Amended
Articles of Incorporation and the Code of Regulations of the Company, each as
amended to date, (b) the Plan, and (c) such records of the corporate proceedings
of the Company and such other documents as we deemed necessary to render this
opinion.

         Based upon such examination, we are of the opinion that:

                  1. The Shares have been duly authorized and when issued and
         delivered upon receipt of the consideration provided for under the Plan
         and in the manner contemplated by the Plan will be validly issued,
         fully paid, and nonassessable.

                  2. The Interests have been duly authorized and when issued and
         delivered upon receipt of the consideration provided for under the Plan
         and in the manner contemplated by the Plan will be validly issued,
         fully paid, and nonassessable.

         We hereby bring to your attention that our legal opinions are an
expression of professional judgment and not a guarantee of a result. This
opinion is rendered as of the date hereof, and we undertake no, and hereby
disclaim any, obligation to advise you of any changes or new developments that
might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.

                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                  /s/ Arter & Hadden
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                                                  ARTER & HADDEN