America Is Officially Charged Batteries Plus, Nation's Leading Battery Retailer, Opens 300th Store

Posted on September 11, 2007 by Bill Dube

Projects Aggressive Growth with Many Stores in Pipeline

HARTLAND, WIS. -- When an idea driven entrepreneur opened the first Batteries Plus in Green Bay, Wis. nearly 20 years ago, no one thought Ron Rezetko’s idea to open a store that just sells batteries could grow into the nation’s largest chain focused on the $24 billion battery category serving both retail and commercial customers –except Rezetko.

Today, under the leadership of CEO Russ Reynolds, who took over the franchise in 2001 when Rezetko retired, the retail battery leader has grown into a 300-unit system, with many more planned locations to follow.

"Batteries Plus is quickly becoming a household name – our ultimate goal," Reynolds said. “The battery industry is expanding rapidly through both proliferation and consumption, and Batteries Plus has become a standout franchise opportunity.”

Batteries Plus opened its 300th location in Anderson, SC last month, with franchisee Don Bailey taking charge.

“It is amazing to see the growth of the brand and the industry, even in the short time that I have been a franchisee,” he said. “When I was first looking at franchise opportunities, I looked at a few different options. I wanted a franchise that could connect with everyday life. While walking around my house, I was surprised to find that 31 of my daily items required batteries. Batteries are a part of everyday life, and made perfect sense for a business opportunity.”

The 300th opening comes on the heels of Batteries Plus’ announcement earlier this year, that it had signed a licensing agreement with Spectrum Brands, the parent company of Rayovac, a $2.5 billion global consumer products company and one of the largest battery, shaving and grooming, and lighting companies in the world. Through the alliance, Rayovac has licensed16 different battery product categories to Batteries Plus, including laptop computers, cellular phones, digital cameras, camcorders, cordless tools, cordless phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and scanners, among others.

Batteries Plus has developed a stronghold in communities nationwide with a distinctive niche that offers a comprehensive selection of batteries, battery-related products and technical support. Each location provides the on-site expertise and equipment to assemble, test, condition and re-build custom battery packs for rechargeable household and commercial products. They also offer custom battery assembly, rebuild battery packs and recycle lead-based batteries.

Products include literally thousands of batteries for thousands of items, ranging from common items such as watches, cameras and cordless telephones to batteries for electronic voice boxes, solar landscaping lights, talking children’s books and keyless entry door locks at major hotels.

"In an age of increased portability, our society is dependent on batteries," Reynolds said.  “Batteries Plus provides unmatched service and expertise, along with batteries of virtually every shape and size. We look forward to meeting the ongoing battery needs of communities across the country, from the consumer seeking simple batteries for common items or automotive needs, to the business owner or large entity needing ongoing, more complex battery services.”

Batteries Plus also powers the battery needs of businesses by offering commercial accounts to local municipalities, fire and police departments, school districts and other local and national companies.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS

Batteries Plus is the nation's largest retail chain of its kind, offering a comprehensive selection of batteries, battery-related products and technical support that meet growing battery demands for consumer and commercial customers. In addition to thousands of batteries, stores also feature a Tech Center that is equipped to design, assemble, rebuild, and test custom battery packs. Accounts include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturers, other retail channels, local municipalities, fire and police departments, the armed forces and school districts. Its product line includes batteries for both the common and hard-to-find items that are traditionally not available at other retail stores.  Currently, Batteries Plus has 300 open locations in 40 states and Puerto Rico and additional stores in development.