From One Store to Nationwide: How Batteries Plus Mirrors the American Dream
- by Lexi Wood - updated on 5/25/2026
In 1988, Batteries Plus's American dream started small: a single store in Green Bay, WI. What made us different then? A dedicated team trained to help customers with a mix of quality products and technical knowledge. That standard allowed us to grow into what we are today: the Experts in Charge.
As America gears up to celebrate 250 years, we look back on how we've spent over 38 of those years supporting our local communities across the country:
Key Takeaways
- Power with Purpose: We give back to organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation, Toys for Tots, St. Jude, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
- Veteran Support: We are a top-rated company for veteran franchise owners and associates.
- National Power, Local Service: We combine the logistics of a major brand with the community-focused service of a local business, all staffed by "Experts in Charge" who understand the technical nuances of power.
Power with Purpose: How We Give Back
As our company has grown, we've made sure to give back to our local communities in a variety of ways. Sometimes it's small, like offering free batteries to the School of the Year. We've also helped in emergency situations, with individual stores staying open late so our customers can get emergency generators and power stations before a big storm or wildfire hits.
In 2025, we gave a name to our biggest community give-back program: Power with Purpose. Our most recent events include:
- Toys for Tots: Over the winter holidays of 2025, we donated more than 1.7 million batteries to power toys for children in need
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: We celebrated Valentine's Day by giving to a cause close to our hearts, raising over $163,000 for St. Jude patients and their families
- Arbor Day Foundation: Our Earth Month efforts saw 37,283 trees planted in Oregon as part of the Bootleg Fire Restoration and Resilience Project
Today, our current Power with Purpose event is in partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and LUXPRO. Batteries Plus is proudly supporting the VFW National Veterans Service Program, ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits they deserve.
Want to help? Purchase any LUXPRO light in-store or online at Batteries Plus, as Batteries Plus & LUXPRO proudly support the VFW National Veterans Service Program. Starts June 1 and goes through the Fourth of July, 2026.
Jobs and Growth Opportunities for Veterans
Supporting our nation goes beyond what we sell in a store. We want to honor those who serve America. We are incredibly proud to have ten appearances on Entrepreneur Magazine's Top Franchises for Veterans. This annual list is for the top companies that make it easier for veterans to become franchisees. Our most recent appearance was last year, 2025, a feat we aim to repeat in 2026.
We are also an International Franchise Association (IFA) VetFran member , meaning all veterans who join the Batteries Plus team enjoy in-depth training and internal resources. We share the fun too, such as when we partnered with Folds of Honor and country music artist Justin Moore during his "Country On It" tour. Together, we awarded scholarships and VIP tickets to military families.
Supporting American Businesses
In 1992, we opened our first franchise store, a move that defined our future. As new franchises opened in each state, Batteries Plus could offer the logistical power of a national brand with the personal touch of a local business owner. Our stores expanded from helping the everyday customer find batteries to supporting businesses with all their power and lighting needs. Today, we've grown into a trusted presence across generations of American businesses.
Just a few of the specialized industries we serve include:
We don't just support American businesses, we support America - literally! We provide solutions for both military and civilian agencies at every level, from local school districts to federal organizations. And as part of GSA Advantage, Batteries Plus provides GSA-approved and priced business solutions to all our federal contractors.
The American Difference of Batteries Plus
Our company has modeled itself after the American dream, building ourselves up from a single store to over 700 across all 50 states. How'd we do it?
Because even back in 1988, we weren't just selling batteries; we were solving problems. Unlike big-box retailers, where batteries are tucked away in a corner of a massive warehouse, our entire history is built on understanding chemistry, voltage, and the nuances of power. Every associate is trained as an Expert in Charge. When you buy from us, you're buying decades of institutional knowledge.
Our brand has grown alongside the needs of the Americans we support. We identify what our customers need most and become the best at it. That's why we now offer:
- Expert Phone Repair: WISE Certified technicians using premium parts
- Key Fob Services: Programming and replacement for up to 50% less than dealership prices
- Lighting Solutions: From energy-efficient home LEDs to complex commercial projects, we've got all the lighting solutions you need
We've spent nearly 40 years perfecting the art of "Power It, Light It, Fix It." Our history proves that we've been here for every technological leap, and our new American dream is to be here for the next one, too, even if it takes another 250 years.
Ready to experience the Experts in Charge?
Find your local store or shop our full inventory online.