Batteries Plus Stays Open to Meet Customer Needs

As the nation’s leading omnichannel franchise retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services, Batteries Plus prides itself on being the kind of brand that can help customers in just about any situation, and that includes the current Coronavirus pandemic.

In a time when many businesses and schools are either closed or slowing down operations, Batteries Plus locations across the country remain open for its consumer and commercial customers in an effort to help them keep their devices running as smoothly as possible, from medical devices like infusion pumps, monitors, defibrillators, EKG machines, respirators and ventilators, communication products and more. Critically, the brand can provide power solutions for devices such as phones, tablets and laptops, which are proving to be essential as more adults work from home and as children increasingly stay home from school.

“Staying open was not a financial decision,” CEO Scott Williams said. “It’s about taking care of our customers, especially when some of our customers are healthcare workers, first responders and families who are taking care of others and serving their communities.”

Williams noted that the brand’s entire franchise system, which comprises more than 720 units nationwide, rolled out curbside operations for all products and services within two days in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Franchisees are positive about our efforts to sustain operations during this crisis with curbside service,” said Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President of Franchise Development Jon Sica. “With many restaurants and other retailers closed, letting customers know we’re open is also key, and our owners are doing a great job in letting everyone know we're ready to serve.”

Staying open is also very much in line with the brand’s values of putting customers first.

“Satisfying customers is our No. 1 brand value,” Sica said. “We feel privileged that the local communities we serve have seen the value our owners deliver with essential products and expertise and have asked us to continue operating.”

Not only has Batteries Plus proved its commitment to top-notch customer service in recent days, but it has also demonstrated why it remains a viable franchise opportunity in any economic climate.

“Our franchise value proposition has never been stronger,” Sica said. “Our specialty retail model and ability to adapt has enabled us to continue expanding as a brand through recessions, natural disasters and now global pandemics. Providing stellar customer service and expertise has always been the primary driver of our business. That’s how we win against e-commerce and big-box competitors every day, and it’s why we continue to be a destination for customer essentials even during a major life disruption like Coronavirus.”

One Batteries Plus team member who has seen the brand weather all kinds of mass issues is former owner turned Franchise Sales Consultant Steve Cooper, who has been with the brand for more than 20 years. From an array of natural disasters to the 2008 economic recession, Cooper has witnessed the brand adapt to ever-changing customer needs.

“When Batteries Plus faces a crisis, the leadership team and franchisee network remain tight and adaptable,” Cooper said. “We really work together to be responsive and nimble…we react to any situation by keeping our focus on taking care of our customers.”

Cooper noted that people always need to be able to communicate, and especially so during a crisis, and Batteries Plus aims to help customers keep their communication devices powered on. The leadership team is very good about helping franchisees who identify a need for a particular product in their market and make sure they can meet that need, Cooper added.

As social distancing becomes more and more important during the Coronavirus outbreak, Batteries Plus is ready to provide customers with the products they’ll need in order to help working and schooling from home go as smoothly as possible.

“People are often surprised by the vastly different things we do and the wide range of products and services we provide,” Cooper said. “We certainly view our products as things that people need in a crisis. No one wants to be without batteries for their thermometers, cell phones or their cars, for example. For this reason, we’re always going to be there for our customers.”

By providing the types of products that customers will always want to have on hand and remaining flexible in the face of issues such as the Coronavirus, Batteries Plus ensures it remains a needed brand for customers and a profitable business opportunity for franchisees.

The startup costs for a Batteries Plus franchise range from $$201,450  to $385,230. The franchise fee is $37,500. To learn more about franchising with Batteries Plus, visit https://batteriesplusfranchise.com/.