Leading Retailer Makes Top Ten List in Mid-Range Investment Category.

Hartland, WI (June 30, 2015) After experiencing an outstanding year of growth in 2014, Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation's largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb and smartphone/tablet repair franchise, was named one of America's Best Franchises to Buy for the second year in a row by Forbes. With a remarkable increase in sales, continuous store expansion, new and improved product offerings and services, as well as exceptional ongoing support for its franchise owners, Batteries Plus Bulbs remains one of the best franchises available today.

The Forbes ranking comes as a result of a stellar 2014 during which Batteries Plus Bulbs opened 42 new store locations nationwide and saw a system-wide sales increase of 8.6 percent - including a 74 percent increase in overall light bulb sales. In total, the company has more than 650 locations open in the U.S. and Puerto Rico today, stemming from a 12 percent growth rate and 97 percent franchise continuity over a five-year span. These impressive numbers landed Batteries Plus Bulbs a No. 8 ranking in Forbes' mid-range investment category, where franchise investments range from $150,001 to $500,000.

The second annual "Best and Worst Franchises to Buy, 2015," rankings were again compiled from performance and revenue metrics analyzed by FRANdata, a research and consulting firm studying the comparative performance of franchise brands. Developed to aid franchisors in their efforts to improve operations, FRANdata measured the following when compiling their rankings:

• Franchise performance based on demand for the franchise brand
• Success of existing franchisees
• Franchisor support from the perspective of "lender friendliness"
• Transparency
• Average investment

With U.S. franchises expected to grow 1.6 percent in 2015 to a total of over 780,000 locations, the "Best and Worst" report is a valuable resource for folks looking to get a piece of the proverbial $521 billion pie.

"We're honored to be recognized among Forbes' list of best performing franchises in America for the second year running," said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus Bulbs. "This is truly a testament to the endurance of our brand and underscores our commitment to evolving with industry trends while continuing to provide the tools necessary for our franchisees to be as successful as possible. With one quarter of our franchisees opening up more than 90 additional stores in the last three years, this further validates the outstanding franchise opportunity we offer."

In addition to superior product knowledge, product breadth and availability, and unparalleled customer service and advice, Batteries Plus Bulbs' continued franchise growth and prosperity derives from remaining on trend with technology and consumer demand. The company continues adding the most innovative products to its selection and expanding its services by offering things like on-site repairs for iPhone^®, iPad^® and iPod^® Apple^® devices, most Samsung^® devices and many more. Services include: battery replacements, cracked screen, charge port, button, water damage repair and antenna repair or replacement, among others. Experts can also install screen protectors on smartphones and tablets to help avoid future damage. Batteries Plus Bulbs offers quick turnaround on all repairs and installations, allowing customers to drop off broken devices with same-day pickup and a 6-month warranty on all parts and workmanship.

Batteries Plus Bulbs offers franchisee prospects an exciting opportunity to own a proven, recession-resistant business selling essential, needs-based product categories to both retail and business customers. The franchise continues to expand its footprint in 2015 with plans to open 50 new locations across the country, focusing in the Northeast and Southern California. Additionally, Batteries Plus Bulbs is proud to help qualified U.S. military veterans own their own business through its "Ownership with Honor" program, which provides over $210,000 in financial support that funds nearly 85 percent of the initial store investment. Knowing the extreme discipline and strong leadership skills U.S. veterans possess, Batteries Plus Bulbs is eager to help veterans conquer financial hurdles and achieve entrepreneurial success.