Battery World Australia- Powering up Australia for over 10 years

Retail battery franchise chain, Battery World Australia is celebrating over ten years of business success. Delivering back to back growth of 20% last two years, with this year’s first quarter running at 12%. 

James Nixon-Smith, General Manager with the retail franchise, said the results had been an opportunity to reflect on the journey the business had taken to get where it is today and where it was heading.

“We currently have 73 franchises nationally and are expanding in both Australia and New Zealand – we have our sights set on more growth specifically in Sydney,” Mr Nixon-Smith said.

“It’s a difficult decision to buy a franchise but he is confident that Battery World will stack up very favourable with potential franchisees. Why? Because, they are investing in a business that is driven by the future.” He said.

“Batteries are a part of everyday life and as people’s lifestyles become more mobile. The demand is for mobile power resources, so battery and technology focused franchises like Battery World are well set-up to capitalise on this.”

“Even in the current economic downturn Battery World is well placed, because consumers are more inclined to replace batteries in their mobile phone, camera or car rather than buying a new one”

Mr Nixon-Smith said there had been a number of factors that had contributed to the success of the retail battery franchise - first that Battery World was a one-stop battery shop and a franchise that had no direct national competition.

“Customers could easily go to one of the large warehouse variety stores, however, they are often sold the wrong type of batteries, they may not carry the same large range and therefore customers are often given incorrect advice,” he said.

“We take pride in the fact that Battery World staff are highly trained experts who provide superior and knowledgeable service.

“We have a training program that is comprehensive process and involves both in-house and in the field experience, plus ongoing training and group meetings for sharing ideas with fellow Franchisees.”

Mr Nixon-Smith said over the years the business had learnt a lot about the effective recruitment of franchisees, which had been extremely important in preventing the failure of start-up stores.

“Battery World has a structured recruitment process that we conduct to ensure the potential franchisee is right for Battery World, and that we are right for them.

“We also facilitate knowledge sharing between franchisees by holding regular Franchise Development Meetings so owners can give each other advice, swap ideas and discuss issues.”

Battery World franchisee, Julie Rhodes, has operated the Swan Hill retail battery franchise store with her partner for the past three years and said it was the most rewarding and satisfying job she had ever had.

“Our business has grown to become extremely profitable and the support that we receive from the Battery World head office is second to none,” she said.

“Since my time in the business I have noticed an improvement in marketing the Battery World brand which has definitely led to an increase in the number of our customers.”

Mr Nixon-Smith said the importance of having a strong and consistent brand was the biggest lesson learnt over the past ten years.