Battery and Light Bulb Franchise to Hold High-Stakes Look-Up Challenge to Emphasize Value Proposition.

The first time new customers walk into a Batteries Plus Bulbs store, they are often shocked to see thousands of different batteries and light bulbs lining the shelves. When they hear Batteries Plus Bulbs has access to over 45,000 batteries, light bulbs and related accessories, they are simply amazed to hear that there are so many different options out there. With such a vast on-demand inventory, it's nearly impossible for a Batteries Plus Bulbs customer to be told, "Sorry, we don't carry that."

That type of "wow" experience is exactly the value proposition the nation's first, largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise will convey at the International Franchise Expo (IFE) in New York (June 19-21). Expo attendees can participate in the Look-Up Challenge by visiting Batteries Plus Bulbs at booth #446. There, they can attempt to "stump" the franchisor on sourcing any battery or light bulb from its comprehensive product selection. All participants in the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a free franchise fee, valued at $37,500.

"Whenever people hear about a store that sells batteries and light bulbs, they typically envision four-packs of triple-A batteries or a desk lamp bulb," said John Twist, Vice President of Franchise Development. "Once we have a chance to explain the thousands of products we have access to, our expanding services, including mobile device repair, and the helpful advice and expertise we provide, people are amazed. That's why this challenge is perfect for the IFE. It's a great way to engage franchise prospects while showing the breadth and depth of our product selection, which is one of the numerous factors that make the Batteries Plus Bulbs franchise so unique among all the other concepts."

With more than 620 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, Batteries Plus Bulbs continues its reign as the undisputed leader in the expanding $30.7 billion U.S. battery replacement market and the rapidly growing U.S. light bulb replacement market, estimated at $17 billion (Freedonia Research Study). Averaging more than one store opening per week, the company had a record number of new franchise agreements signed in 2013, committing to open more than 85 future stores. Batteries Plus Bulbs continues to focus its franchise expansion plans in New York, the Mid-Atlantic and Southern California.

Batteries Plus Bulbs was just named one of America's Best Franchises by Forbes magazine based on demand for the franchise brand, success of existing franchisees and franchisor support. Using FRANdata research, Forbes also examined the brand's growth and continuity rate from 2008 to 2012. For the twentieth consecutive year Batteries Plus Bulbs was ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500^® list of top franchises, which includes five consecutive years being ranked No. 1 in battery franchise category.

Stores stock and have access to batteries for thousands of devices ranging from common items such as watches, cars/trucks, digital cameras, laptops and cell phones to those hard-to-find batteries for old toys and obscure electronic devices. Stores also assemble, test, and condition and custom battery packs for rechargeable household and business-to-business products, and offer battery installation services for many applications, including watches, cars/trucks, and keyless remotes. Many stores also now offer on-site repairs for Apple^® devices, including iPhones^®, iPads^® and iPods^®, most Samsung^® devices and many more.  Batteries Plus Bulbs stores also carry light bulb products ranging from the common recessed lighting, track lighting, and energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs to extraordinary, highly-specialized light bulbs for cars/trucks, healthcare equipment, aquariums, projectors and more. Specialized business account programs also fulfill large volume and energy-efficient lighting needs for businesses nationwide.

Batteries Plus Bulbs offers franchisee prospects an exciting opportunity to own a thriving business selling two essential, needs-based product categories, in a technology-based environment, to both retail and business customers. For more information on the Batteries Plus Bulbs franchise opportunity and available markets, visit www.batteriesplus.com/franchise.

Media Contact: Debra Vilchis, Fishman Public Relations 847-945-1300, ext. 227, dvilchis[at]fishmanpr.com