While the economy continues to inch along, with 1 percent growth in the retail industry for 2010, the battery retail segment remains positive—with Batteries Plus leading the charge.

With more than 445 locations, Batteries Plus opened 60 stores in 2010, a record number of openings for the nation's first all-battery franchise. Bucking the trend realized by many other retailers, Batteries Plus is already experiencing more of the same success opening retail stores in 2011.

These openings have contributed to an increased interest in the Batteries Plus franchise opportunity, particularly among candidates who are shying away from struggling concepts. In addition to opening a record 60 new stores, the franchise signed 45 agreements to open an additional 63 future stores, and welcomed 21 new franchise owners into the system.

"We opened a record number of locations in 2010," said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus. "Our concept does well in any economy because the demand drivers for our business are healthy. Those demand drivers are the increased need for portable devices, and therefore portable power."

The U.S. battery industry was estimated at $24 billion in 2008, and is estimated to reach $33.6 billion in 2012. Growth in the market will be driven by a healthy demand for battery powered electronic devices such as Smartphones, mp3 players, laptops, and digital cameras, as well as a shift in the product mix towards higher-priced, better performing batteries.

Because of the consistent demand for battery products and services, outstanding levels of support and training, and national brand recognition, Batteries Plus is recognized as one of the nation's top franchise opportunity offerings. The impressive increase in number of stores from 2010 and into 2011 is making Batteries Plus an even more attractive franchise opportunity because of the gaining visibility in markets across the nation.

"Batteries are not a luxury item that people give up when times get tough," Reynolds noted. "They might stop going out to dinner, or they might cut down on vacations, but people still need their cars, their laptops and their cell phones to keep running. Batteries are here to stay."

CONTACT:  Aaron Gessner, Fishman Public Relations, agessner[at]fishmanpr.com