Hartland, Wis. – October 01, 2026 -- Batteries Plus signed 19 new franchise agreements and opened 13 new locations across six states in the third quarter of 2026, extending a multi-year expansion run for the specialty battery and power solutions retailer.
New stores cluster across Florida, Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Alabama
The Q3 openings mark continued geographic diversification for the chain, which now signs 60 to 70 new stores annually, according to the company. Batteries Plus recorded its strongest signing year in 2021 and has sustained that pace through the pandemic recovery period.
"The continued pace of growth we're seeing clearly reflects power and connectivity, and Batteries Plus is uniquely positioned to deliver both," said Victor Daher, Vice President of Global Franchise Development for Batteries Plus.
Company deploys three AI tools to support franchisees and customers
Batteries Plus has rolled out a new AI platform built around three tools: Savannah, an AI agent that fields questions from prospective franchisees; Edison, a bilingual voice assistant designed to ensure every store call is answered; and Wattson, a search tool that helps customers locate products. Deployment began across all locations, with full availability targeted by the end of September.
Chain climbs to #118 on Franchise Times Top 400 with 800-plus stores
Batteries Plus enters the fourth quarter ranked #118 on the Franchise Times Top 400 list, with more than 800 stores open or in development after nearly 40 years of operation since its founding in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The company is owned by Los Angeles- and New York-based private equity firm Freeman Spogli.
Industry groups recognize franchisee and marketing executives
The International Franchise Association named Stephen Lutfi, who operates several Batteries Plus stores in Phoenix, Arizona, its 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Lutfi, who joined the system three years ago, was honored September 15 at the IFA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. Separately, Franchise Assembly named Sara Whiteleather, Senior Director of Marketing, to its 2026 Franchise Marketing Ones to Watch list, while Chris McGee, Vice President of Marketing, was named a 2026 Franchise Marketing Trailblazer.