Anaheim, Calif. - California's energy-efficiency policies might be designed to benefit the environment, but they're also creating demand and opportunity for businesses specializing in energy-efficient products.

One example is Batteries Plus Bulbs, a national franchise of more than 575 specialty stores with access to over 45,000 batteries, light bulbs and related products. As state policies have flipped the switch on a new era of longer-lasting, more efficient lighting options, the company is gearing up to expand aggressively throughout the state through franchise opportunities, especially in Southern California.

To kick off the expansion strategy, company executives have designed a unique, energy-efficient "battery-powered" booth (booth No. 438) that will showcase its products, services and franchise opportunities at the West Coast Franchise Expo, taking place from October 24-26, 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center. John Twist, Vice President of Franchise and Business Development, says he expects to meet multiple franchise prospects interested in opening stores throughout the state during the franchise exhibition.

"The nation's obsession with portable devices, coupled with federal and state mandated shifts to energy- efficient light bulbs, has created the perfect storm for a specialized local battery and light bulb source in California," Twist noted. "We've already been consulting with potential franchisees and are very eager to meet more of them face-to-face at the West Coast Franchise Expo opens in new window."

With 30 stores total open or in development in California, Batteries Plus Bulbs^®, the nation's first, largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise, serves both the expanding $30.7 billion U.S. battery industry and the growing U.S. light bulb replacement industry estimated to be at $17 billion in sales*.

The Energy Independence and Security Act opens in new window of 2007 has implemented a series of regulations mandating the gradual phase-out of the manufacturing, importation, and sale of inefficient lighting products, namely incandescent bulbs, over the past six years. California was a year ahead of all other states in meeting the mandatory incandescent light bulb phase-out dates. Higher watt bulbs (75-100 watts) were the first to go, and in January 2014, the final portion of the manufacturing phase-out will be complete, discontinuing production of all 40-60 watt bulbs in all remaining states nationwide. Batteries Plus Bulbs is equipped with a large variety of energy-efficient light bulbs that meet the new mandate and has trained product experts that can help educate businesses and consumers about which energy-efficient battery and bulb products are right for them.

The West Coast Franchise Expo is the largest franchise event in the west coast, uniting qualified prospective franchise owners with growing brands. For three days, thousands of entrepreneurs will pass through the doors of the Anaheim Convention Center, searching for their next business venture. In a truly unique energy-efficient fashion, Batteries Plus Bulbs will be displaying the expo's ONLY fully battery-operated booth which will power everything from an LED screen and PCs to battery and lighting displays.

Batteries Plus Bulbs offers prospective franchisees the ability to sell needs-based products and generate multiple revenue streams through retail, business-to-business and eCommerce sales. In addition to consumers, franchisees have the opportunity to serve an array of businesses, such as hotels and hospitals, assisting them with their energy savings while improving their overall carbon footprints. Batteries Plus Bulbs conducts onsite needs-analysis visits and offers businesses volume discounts on battery and light bulb purchases. Each store will also help local businesses work with local utility companies to leverage all financial incentives available to them when switching over to energy-efficient lighting, often in the form of rebates. Batteries Plus Bulbs will also help businesses with online ordering, delivery, recycling and other services to help make their transition to energy-efficient lighting even smoother.

For more information about the West Coast Franchise Expo, visit www.wcfexpo.com opens in new window.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS BULBS 
Batteries Plus Bulbs is the nation's first, largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise with more than 575 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico. Batteries Plus Bulbs is owned by Roark Capital Group opens in new window, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. With access to more than 45,000 types of batteries, light bulbs and accessories, Batteries Plus Bulbs has the widest selection of battery and light bulb products available and offers unmatched service to consumers and businesses at the national and local levels. Batteries Plus Bulbs continues its reign as the undisputed leader in the expanding $30.7 billion U.S. battery replacement industry and in the rapidly growing U.S. light bulb replacement industry estimated at $17 billion*. For more information, please visit batteriesplusbulbs.com/franchise.
*Freedonia Research Study

Contact: Holly Kleese, Fishman Public Relations, hkleese[at]fishmanpr.com