Nation's Largest and Fastest Growing Battery and Light Bulb Franchise Ranks No. 33.

Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation's first, largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise, has been ranked a high-power franchise by Franchise Times as part of the magazine's 2014 Fast and Serious list. Coming in at No. 33 out of 298 franchise concepts, the ranking not only recognizes Batteries Plus Bulbs for its rapid growth over the past few years but also for its sustainability as a strong steady franchise concept.

The list was formed using a 10-point formula, including percentage sales growth, percentage unit growth, dollar sales growth and numerical unit growth over the past three years, with more weight given to acceleration in years two and three.

"This ranking is a further testament to the strength of our brand and the success of our franchise owners," said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs. "We've experienced a 40 percent increase in store count, having opened over 170 new stores since 2011, and system wide sales growth of more than 10 percent year over year since 2011. As our company continues to experience strong growth, it has created excitement among entrepreneurs looking for a sound franchise opportunity."

With more than 610 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, Batteries Plus Bulbs closed out 2013 having opened 55 new franchise owned stores with plans to open 55 more stores in 2014. Averaging more than one store opening per week, the company had a record number of new franchise agreements in 2013 that were signed to open more than 88 future stores.

Batteries Plus Bulbs stores 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 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' in-store services include assembling, testing, conditioning and designing custom battery packs for rechargeable household and business-to-business products. They offer battery installation services for many applications, including watches, cars/trucks, and keyless remotes, among others. Additionally, stores have an in-store recycling program using EPA-approved methods for safely recycling batteries, light bulbs, ballasts, and select portable electronic devices. Batteries Plus Bulbs has recently expanded its in-store services in select markets across the country to offer affordable, quality mobile device repairs with a "while you wait" model that turns repairs around quickly. In addition to iPhones^® and iPads^®, the repair experts can also help repair damaged iPods^® and other electronic devices. Additional brands of smartphones and tablets as well as laptops and e-readers can also be repaired relatively quickly within a few business days.

Batteries Plus Bulbs offers franchisee prospects an exciting opportunity to own a thriving, steady business selling two essential, needs-based product categories to both retail and business customers. The company will continue focusing its franchise expansion plans in the New York and Mid-Atlantic areas this year along with developing more new stores in Southern California.

Media Contact: Fishman Public Relations Stacy Rubenstein - (847) 945-1300 or srubenstein at fishmanpr.com