retailer of batteries

Nation’s Largest Battery Retailer Donates Over 60,000 AA Batteries to Charity in Partnership with Duracell.

HARTLAND, Wis. — With the economic challenges Americans have faced in 2020, it is more important than ever to spread cheer and send a message of hope to our country’s less fortunate. That is why the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Campaign, Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, and Duracell, have teamed up to power tens of thousands of children’s toys this holiday season.

In an exclusive partnership with Duracell, Batteries Plus donated over 60,000 AA batteries to the national charity. The batteries will be used to power donated toys and games, giving life to thousands of gifts that will make their way into children’s hands this month. This mission aligns perfectly with Batteries Plus’ efforts to support the hundreds of communities in which its stores operate.

“From helping with relief efforts during tropical storms to providing essential power to first responders, our stores are deeply invested in the communities they serve,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. “Toys for Tots fits perfectly with our community-focused efforts. We hope this donation will help bring joy to children and communities that are underserved because everyone deserves to have a happy holiday.”

The unique partnership is a welcomed addition to the Toys for Tots mission. While the donated gifts are the foundation of the company’s efforts, many of these toys require batteries which typically are not included, making this generous contribution from Batteries Plus and Duracell even more special.

“We are very pleased to welcome Batteries Plus as a National Corporate Donor for the 2020 U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Campaign,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “The company’s community-service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 73 years through our Toys for Tots Program.”

Toys for Tots will not distribute incomplete toys, and the organization considers a toy without the required batteries to be just that. The benefit of Batteries Plus and Duracell’s donation is twofold: it makes any incomplete toys whole and allows Toys for Tots to use available dollars to purchase more toys versus batteries.

“In these uncertain times, Duracell®, in partnership with Batteries Plus, is proud to come together this holiday season to support the Toys for Tots program and help Santa make sure all those toys and games will have the power needed to be up and running on Christmas morning,” said Andrew Wales, Sr. Sales Manager – North America. “Our mutual commitment to our neighbors and communities across our nation allows us to share with others during this time of giving. We appreciate the opportunity to support our US Marines and their Toys for Tots drive and are excited to be able to share our holiday spirit and bring joy to children everywhere.”

To learn more about Batteries Plus, including information on the franchise opportunity or tour a store virtually, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

About Marine Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots, a 73-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to less fortunate children during each Christmas holiday season.  The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime.  It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.  Last year the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7 million less fortunate children in over 800 communities nationwide.  Since 1947 over 265 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.  For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

About Duracell

Started in the 1920s, the Duracell brand and company was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE-BRK.A, BRK.B) in 2016 and has grown to be the leader in the primary battery market in North America. The iconic Duracell brand is known the world over. Our products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them, and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. Our recharging technology allows consumers to live life without limits. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a $250B holding company owning subsidiaries that engage in diverse business activities. Visit www.duracell.com for more information; follow us on Twitter.com/Duracell and like us on Facebook.com/Duracell.

Essential Retailer Expands to Open More Stores in Arizona, California, Minnesota and Florida.

HARTLAND, Wis. — Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, has announced five new signed franchise agreements, resulting in 10 new stores in development. To date, the need-based retailer has signed a total of 20 franchise agreements in 2020 and on track to sign an additional 20 by yearend.

The newly signed deals include single-unit and multi-unit operators who have committed to develop Batteries Plus in Arizona, California, Minnesota and Florida. Batteries Plus has been providing need-base products and services for 30-plus years. The pandemic has kept franchisees fully devoted to making sure communities and organizations have what they need when it comes to reliable batteries, devices, lighting, repairs, electronic equipment and smart home technology.

For instance, Ryan Tollefson, who co-owns six locations across California has signed on to open three more stores to fulfill the demand within the Sacramento area. Ryan’s father Don, opened the first store in California in 1996 and since then Ryan has taken over the day-to-day operations to further grow his father’s legacy store, expanded and now completely covers the Sacramento territory.

“Thankfully, we were deemed essential to keep serving the community and avoid furloughs. In fact, I was able to hire in May as business picked up and months of steady sales continued,” said Ryan Tollefson. “After seeing the real-time impact the stores have had throughout the pandemic and in the neighborhoods effected by the fires, the urgency was clear. I knew it was time to explore expansion as California is in need of a reliable retailer, which can help with battery backups, generators and powering up homes and businesses.”

Batteries Plus is looking for franchise prospects who are willing to step up for the communities in need of their essential products and services. Franchisees serve communities as an invaluable resource with exceptional customer service, expertise and quality-tested products. Franchisees and their employees are problem solvers with access to a catalog of products available and three decades of engineering technology to provide solutions quickly.

“Whether its new franchise owners joining Batteries Plus or expansion by our existing franchise family, it’s a validation of the attractiveness of our business model. We are being seen as more than a quick-service retail business, based on our unique combination of products and services, paired with expertise and quality,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. “We’re the only franchise of this kind. Our franchisees are the face of our brand in their communities, and customers are looking to support local, essential businesses especially those with quick, proficient options to meet their needs. Our growing network of entrepreneurs see our model as the unique combination of product, speed, and omni-channel to thrive in an evolving digital, online retail environment.”

Batteries Plus has fast, same-day solutions for guests and owners to access over 9,000 different products, most of which can be delivered to stores in 1-2 days. Plus, the franchise offers multiple ways to get products to customers via in-store transactions, online ordering or a combination of the two with Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store.

Batteries Plus has multiple revenue streams to serve every individual and the needs of a variety of sectors including schools, contractors, churches, municipalities, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, property managers and assisted living centers. Batteries Plus has a franchisee-first mentality that is the cornerstone to its world-class franchisee support and proprietary technology advancements built within the model.

Batteries Plus is actively seeking qualified single-unit and multi-unit franchisees who are looking for scalable growth or are seeking an extremely stable, predictable and secure essential franchise. The brands core offerings are fundamental to people’s lives and are built on multi-billion-dollar industries (Batteries, $32B; Bulbs, $22B, Device Repair, $4B, Key Fobs, $2B, Smart Home Technology $90.9M).

Nation’s Leading Battery, Light Bulb, Key Fob & Repair Concept Ranked on Franchise Times Prestigious Top 200 + List of Largest U.S. Franchises.

HARTLAND, Wis. — Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise announced today that it has been ranked No. 131 on Franchise Times’ Top 200+ List, the most comprehensive ranking of the 500 largest franchise systems in the United States. The prestigious list is based on Batteries Plus’ global system sales and number of locations. The brand joins the list amongst some of the nation’s most recognizable brands.

This most recent ranking further validates the exceptional growth Batteries Plus has experienced this year. In 2020, the brand signed 20 franchise agreements and on track to have 20 new agreements to be signed by the end of the year. Despite the pandemic, Batteries Plus businesses across the country have remained open to help individuals, communities, and organizations keep their devices and electronic equipment (including laptops, hearing aids, medical devices like infusion pumps, monitors, carts on wheels, and more) running as smoothly as possible. Currently, Batteries Plus has reached 720 locations throughout the United States.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized among some of the most successful franchise brands in the country,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. “It is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our franchisees and corporate team, as well as the continued support that we receive from our loyal customers. This ranking only further inspires us to continue growing. We are excited to see what the future holds for Batteries Plus.”

Franchise Times uses a combination of companies’ voluntary reports and the most recent franchise disclosure documents to rank the 500 largest franchise systems in the United States. To qualify for the ranking, companies must be a legal United States franchise, with its headquarters based in the United States or at least 10 percent of their total units located in the country. Franchisees must also own at least 15 percent of the company’s total units.

Batteries Plus is actively seeking qualified single-unit and multi-unit franchisees who are looking for scalable growth or are seeking an extremely stable, predictable and secure essential franchise. While the brands core offerings are fundamental to people’s lives and are built on multi-billion-dollar industries (Batteries, $32B; Bulbs, $22B, Device Repair, $4B, Key Fobs, $2B, Smart Home Technology $90.9M) – the pandemic realities shined a brighter light on the value of the Batteries Plus franchise opportunity.  The total investment to open a Batteries Plus franchise ranges from $201,250 to $385,320.

Batteries Plus has multiple revenue streams to serve every individual and the needs of a variety of sectors including schools, contractors, churches, municipalities, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, property managers and assisted living centers. Batteries Plus has a franchisee-first mentality that is the cornerstone to its world-class franchisee support and proprietary technology advancements built within the model.

To hear more about the franchise opportunity or step into a store and tour virtually, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

Record-Breaking Sales Months, Multi-Unit Franchise Deal Point to Quick-Service Retail Model’s Strength.

HARTLAND, Wis. — As a result of the ongoing pandemic and the ever-increasing demand for essential products that fill consumer’s immediate needs, one national specialty retailer is experiencing unprecedented growth. Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, has generated 12 new franchise agreements in 2020 and is on track to sign over 20 new franchise agreements by yearend.

Batteries Plus businesses across the country have remained open to help individuals, communities, and organizations keep their devices and electronic equipment (including laptops, hearing aids, medical devices like infusion pumps, monitors, carts on wheels, and more) running as smoothly as possible. The needs-based nature of the business provided reliable income to franchisees and resulted in the brands best sales and comp growth month on record in the 30-plus year history of Batteries Plus. Part of the recent development for the specialty retailer includes the company’s largest multi-unit deal to open four locations throughout Boise and Western, Idaho.

“At the outset of the pandemic, we braced for the impact on the retail sector but are extremely pleased to see our performance remain stable with double-digit growth in e-commerce,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. “It’s been a steady upward climb with strong numbers starting mid-to-late April with July being our best July ever and our 8^th best sales month in company history. The dedication and grit our franchise stores have shown throughout this tough economic time has been impressive and now new candidates are taking notice of our strong business model.”

While the brands core offerings are fundamental to people’s lives and are built on multi-billion-dollar industries (Batteries, $32B; Bulbs, $22B, Device Repair, $4B, Key Fobs, $2B, Smart Home Technology $90.9M) – the pandemic realities shined a brighter light on the value of the Batteries Plus franchise opportunity.

The COVID-19 impacts that led to the immediate offering of contact-less curbside delivery included: the rise of the remote workforce, first-responders and hospitals in need of reliable batteries, virtual learning, consumers powering up outdoor toys (RV cars and boats) and Smart Home technology. Many franchisees of the 723-unit, Omni-channel retailer had to add staff and expand hours to meet the needs throughout this year.

“As customer behavior shifts, a quick-service retail model will remain prominent and a nonnegotiable,” said Joe Malmuth, Managing Director of Franchise Development. “Batteries Plus was proactive and has a plan for the ‘next normal,’ retail environment. Our new franchise owners are eager to be a part of the solution-driven based business concept that always places customer satisfaction at the top.”

In fact, the 4-unit deal led by an entrepreneurial, three-generation run family business chose to invest in the company because they saw the superior world-class support from the perspective of the commercial business account first. Working over 30 years within a brand name car dealership led the entrepreneurs to see the value of the concept through the battery needs of the automotive industry. The owner plans to target dealerships throughout his market for business accounts to deliver better products and pricing for his future customers.

Batteries Plus has multiple revenue streams to serve every individual and the needs of a variety of sectors including schools, contractors, churches, municipalities, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, property managers and assisted living centers. Batteries Plus has a franchisee-first mentality that is the cornerstone to its world-class franchisee support and proprietary technology advancements built within the model.

“Our brand fills a much-needed niche in communities across the country, especially in times of economic uncertainty,” said Jon Sica, Chief Strategy Officer. “We performed well both through 9/11 and the downturn in 2008, because most often customers opt to repair instead of replacing cars, devices and other home electronics. Now with the omni-channel technology we’ve built and our growing team of franchise owners, we’ve never been in a better position to serve customers and continue expanding nationwide.”

To hear more about the franchise opportunity or step into a store and tour virtually, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

Retailer joins other national brands in highlighting available career opportunities.

HARTLAND, Wis. — Batteries Plus Bulbs, a national retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services, is joining Red Wing Shoes’ #LaborDayOn campaign to highlight available career opportunities this Labor Day weekend. The campaign is meant to help the 25 million currently unemployed Americans connect with employers who are looking to hire.

Batteries Plus Bulbs understands that many people looking for work are hoping to serve their local communities. The retailer has over 700 stores in 47 states. Many of the stores are independently owned franchises and operate as small, local businesses. Open positions at Batteries Plus Bulbs include warehouse associates, store managers, repair technicians and sales and customer service roles at its corporate headquarters.

“We know there are many dedicated Americans looking for jobs right now, and through #LaborDayOn we want to help them find jobs in our stores, distribution centers and corporate headquarters,” said Carole Witkowski, vice president of human resources for Batteries Plus Bulbs. “If you’re interested in a company that invests in the success of its individual employees and thrives on collaboration, Batteries Plus Bulbs might be what you’re looking for.”

The retailer offers essential items such as thermometer batteries and laptop chargers as well as phone repair services that help people stay connected with loved ones while they may remain safely distant. Because of its essential status, Batteries Plus Bulbs stores have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing reliable jobs for associates.

For a full listing of Batteries Plus Bulbs’ more than 200 currently available career opportunities, visit batteriesplus.com/career.

National retailer powers devices, repair services during reimagined back-to-school shopping season.

HARTLAND, Wis. — With school districts nationwide offering fully virtual or hybrid alternatives to in-person instruction this fall due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of elementary, high school and college students will be relying on electronic technology for online learning. Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s leading battery, light bulb, phone repair and key fob franchise, offers an array of products and services to keep students connected whether they’re at home or back in the classroom.

According to the National Retail Federation, families are looking for different supplies this year in light of the pandemic. Laptops, speakers, headphones and other electronic accessories are among the most popular products students will be using specifically to assist in their e-learning experience. Parents shifting to work-from-home in order to accompany their children will need to be equipped with the proper supplies, as well.

To help keep students connected and their devices powered up to full capacity, Batteries Plus Bulbs offers a number of products and services, including:

• Laptop Battery Replacement: Video conferencing and other online learning applications can take a toll on battery power and life. Batteries Plus Bulbs associates can find a new laptop battery and install it in-store.
• Device Repair: Wear and tear from increased use of laptops and tablets can result in cracked screens, broken audio jacks and charge ports and more. Batteries Plus Bulbs offers device repair services to fix electronic devices and accessories and even protect them from future damage.
• Electronic Accessories: Whether it’s chargers, spare batteries, headphones or speakers, Batteries Plus Bulbs carries all the accessories you need to supplement your devices and get the most out of your online learning experience.

Batteries Plus Bulbs is also helping schools prepare for a fully virtual or hybrid learning environment by replacing school-owned Chromebook and laptop batteries and chargers, installing energy-efficient LED lighting and acting as a local, cost-effective source for alkaline batteries. With high demand for these products and many more nationwide, Batteries Plus Bulbs stores have extensive quantities to meet customer needs before the school year begins. Shoppers can also find products available for purchase online at https://www.batteriesplus.com/.

For convenience in light of new business regulations and social distancing recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, customers can also call their local store or order online for curbside pickup.

Product experts at each Batteries Plus Bulbs location help customers find the right product or repair solution for their unique online learning needs. To find your local Batteries Plus Bulbs store, visit https://www.batteriesplus.com/store-locator.

As experts anticipate a prolonged wildfire season, Batteries Plus Bulbs offers precautions.

HARTLAND, Wis. — Last year’s public safety power shut-offs left more than 2.6 million California residents without power for varying amounts of time. With longer, more intense wildfire seasons projected for 2020, it’s more important than ever for Californians to be prepared to be without power for an extended period of time and ready to evacuate their homes at a moment’s notice.

Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s largest battery and light bulb franchise, is sharing five precautions that California residents can take in order to stay powered up through a power outage or evacuation.

1. Store an Emergency Kit in Your Home: Stock your kit with first-aid supplies, nonperishable food, bottled water, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a portable charger and extra batteries.
2. Purchase a Generator: A generator can be a great investment if you’re concerned about powering up your home during an extended power outage. Have a backup battery on hand for your generator and familiarize yourself with how it operates ahead of time.
3. Stock Up on Backup Batteries for Essential Devices: Purchase backup batteries for mobility scooters, glucose meters, hearing aids and other medical devices. Also consider whether backup batteries could be useful for other items in your home, like your sump pump.
4. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car: Include jumper cables, a jack, wheel wrench and other basic tools in addition to bottled water, a first-aid kit and an inverter that allows you to plug devices like phones or laptops into your car battery to charge.
5. Have Spare Keys Handy: To avoid searching for your keys while evacuating, keep a spare set in a handy location. Make sure your extra keys include a fob with a fully charged battery.

“Being prepared before a public safety power shut-off is announced will allow California residents to avoid needing to scramble for supplies at the last minute,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs. “They can stop by their local Batteries Plus Bulbs store to stock up on batteries, flashlights and other products that will help them stay safe in an emergency.”

To learn more about staying powered up during wildfire season, visit Batteries Plus Bulbs’ emergency preparedness page, or visit your nearest Batteries Plus Bulbs store.

Franchise continues to provide essential battery products, device repair services.

HARTLAND, Wis. — To ensure that its customers are able to stay connected and powered up throughout the efforts to curb COVID-19, Batteries Plus Bulbs stores plan to remain open to continue serving customers the essential products they need during this time.

The retailer, which has more than 700 stores across 47 states, supplies products and services that meet an immediate customer need, or that can’t be found elsewhere because stores are closed or out of inventory.

For commercial customers, Batteries Plus Bulbs provides critical items to hospitals, municipalities, warehouses and more, including:

• Sealed lead acid for pallet jacks, backup systems and more
• Communication products such as two-way radio and phone batteries
• Chargers, batteries and more to keep remote workers connected
• AA/AAA and other alkaline products in bulk

For consumers, the retailer promises to power:

• Transportation, whether by vehicle, wheelchair or mobility scooter
• Home medical devices like hearing aids, glucose meters, thermometers and more
• Phones, tablets and laptops, essential for working from home and homeschooling
• Household items that run on alkaline or coin cells

In addition to the widest selection of batteries available, Batteries Plus Bulbs provides repair services for cell phones, laptops and tablets — devices that are essential in helping customers stay connected to loved ones, colleagues and the news.

“Many of our customers rely on our products and services to stay connected, enable their mobility and power their medical devices,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs. “We’re remaining open to ensure they’re able to get the products and services they need, and we’re taking precautions to make sure they can get them in a safe manner.”

To help comply with social distancing recommendations, Batteries Plus Bulbs stores offer curbside pickup. Customers can call their local store to place an order, drive to Batteries Plus Bulbs and staff will deliver the orders to their cars. Additionally, Batteries Plus Bulbs locations are adhering to recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to increase cleaning and disinfecting efforts to ensure the safety of customers who would prefer to shop in-store.

Batteries Plus Bulbs also offers products for purchase through its website, batteriesplus.com.

National retailer’s device repair service certified by CTIA under WISE™ Program

MILWAUKEE — Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s only battery, light bulb and phone repair franchise, is now recognized by CTIA as the first certified device repair retailer under the Wireless Industry Service Excellence (WISE) program.

CTIA is the trade association for the U.S. wireless communications industry, and its WISE program creates a network of certified retail locations, helping consumers identify qualified providers that meet the highest standards for service quality and device repair. More than 730 Batteries Plus Bulbs locations across the country are working towards being certified.

“Batteries Plus Bulbs’ training facility as well as our proprietary methodology and tools have allowed us to provide phone repair services to over 3 million customers to date,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs. “Our WISE certification will help us lead the market in repair quality and reach even more people who are looking for high-quality device repair services.”

Technicians at Batteries Plus Bulbs’ stores nationwide will participate in the WISE technician certification program. The program educates and tests wireless device repair technicians on industry-recognized standards, certifying those that meet the highest standards for service quality and technical skill. The first certification of its kind, WISE-certified device repair technicians provide consumers with a predictable, high-quality repair experience.

Technicians who complete the WISE Technician Certification Program pass an extensive online training course and then advance to a hands-on skills test. The training curriculum provides a comprehensive background in smartphone repair including parts identification, repair tools, diagnostics, device disassembly and reassembly, and guidance for handling the lithium-ion batteries in today’s smartphones. Technicians must renew their certification annually to ensure they stay current on advances in the aftercare of wireless devices.

Batteries Plus Blubs has been a proud member of CTIA and has helped shape the business requirements for the WISE Certification Program by developing requirements for technicians and retailers as well as for industry-recognized standards for the aftercare of wireless devices.

“Batteries Plus Blubs is proud to have been part of this important standard setting, and more importantly, proud to be one of the very first organizations to adopt these industry standards to help raise the bar for a trusted experience when customers seek device repair,” said Williams.

To learn more about Batteries Plus Bulbs and its device repair services, visit https://www.batteriesplus.com/service.