Batteries Plus Bulbs (Bethel, Conn.), a division of the Gillette Company (Boston), opened 42 new franchise stores in 2014, reporting a 74-percent increase in overall light bulb sales and a 138-percent increase in LED sales.
The nation's increased dependency on smartphones, tablets and other battery-powered technology, coupled with the greater demand for energy-efficient lighting, paved the way for the company’s fast growth, according to a statement released by the company.
The expansion brings the company’s total number of units to 640, with plans to open 50 more in 2015.
“We've incorporated new products and services into our business model, including smartphone and tablet repairs, that have helped keep our brand relevant and will help set up our franchisees for longstanding growth,” said John Twist, vp of Franchise and Business Development at Batteries Plus Bulbs.