For the eighth consecutive year, Batteries Plus Bulbs has been named to the 2018 Franchise Times Top 200 opens in new window list, which ranks the 200 largest franchise systems based on global system-wide sales. The reason for their success is simple: They offer a wide array of hard-to-find items, and provide unparalleled personal service, which can't be replicated with an online retailer. At a time when virtually anything can be found with a simple Google search, it's personal, one-on-one customer service and product education that truly differentiates one retailer from another.

So why does this matter to a potential investor? A franchisee's goal is to find a company dedicated to constant innovation and a superior customer experience. Batteries Plus Bulbs recognized this early on, first introducing new, energy-efficient LED bulbs to their product mix, then adding phone and tablet screen replacement and repair, and most recently providing key fob repair and programming. "Our top sellers were batteries for cameras, camcorders, cordless phones and other similar products. Once mobile phones and tablets became popular, the once-top-sellers were made relatively obsolete," says Tom O'Hare, Batteries Plus Bulbs Interim CEO. "To meet changing consumer demands, we began repairing cracked screens and, over time, extended our problem-solving expertise into fixing those devices to help our customers and create a new revenue stream for our franchisees."

In addition to the Top 200 Franchise list, Batteries Plus Bulbs is featured in Franchise Times', Top Retail Franchises opens in new window. In this article, Batteries Plus Bulbs is highlighted for its sales growth in the "specialty" category, and is celebrated for its 30 years of consecutive sales growth. Much of their success is attributed to finding niche businesses that are congruent and complementary to the original product line, which focused solely on batteries. With the growth of embedded batteries in cell phones, tablets and laptops, users are unable to change their own batteries to extend the life of their device. Phones and computers are also increasing in complexity, and having a trained and knowledgeable store team available to help is integral to the company's success. "We believe in the human element as an essential part of the service," O'Hare states. "Our employees' expertise gives our customers confidence and trust in our services."

Batteries Plus Bulbs is actively looking for individuals looking who want to start their entrepreneurial journey. The Franchise Times' lists and articles, along with other franchise awards, tell the story: Customers need specialized items and they want a knowledgeable team to help them through the process. The cost to open your own Batteries Plus Bulbs store typically ranges from $225,00 to $250,000. Interested? To learn more about how to own a store click here or call 1-866-855-8577.