Two Queensland store openings are taking Battery World franchisees to the next level.

The brand’s fresh retail layout is on display at the newly-relocated West Ipswich store with a super-sized workshop which allows more space for auto, 4X4, camping, motorbike, marine and home categories. The 300 sqm workshop enables more customers to pop in for battery testing and fitting, as well as consultations on how to take their vehicle to the next level for outdoor adventuring.   

Proud local and director of Battery World West Ipswich, Ruthie Farrar is thrilled with the move.

“The great news is we have the same street address, but the new shop is now up the driveway after we moved a few metres from the original store,” Ruthie says.

“It may have been a small move, but it now means we can go extra big on customer service, the part of the business that is so important to us and the reason why so many of our customers always choose Battery World West Ipswich.

“The undercover and secure workshop now allows us to work on larger vehicles. For example, if we need to keep a trailer, campervan, or caravan overnight to complete the job without rushing it, we can.

“The new workshop means we have every part on site and the space to enable a timelier service,” she says.

“We will also continue to provide a 24/7 mobile service for battery replacement in cars and boats whether on the side of the road, in a car park or even on the boat ramp.”

Ruthie says the workshop complemented the new-look showroom, which was fresh, new and spacious.

“We’ve also taken a new approach to how the store is laid out. Customers will find it easier to shop by key categories in the newly presented shopfront.

“All automotive products are grouped together in the same area. The same applies for a solar, marine and the deep cycle range.

“Customers will find the new store a delight to navigate,” she says. 

Battery World’s general manager Johnny Kennedy is proud to see the increased confidence in the Battery World brand and investment in strengthening local community engagement by Ruthie and her team.

“Ruthie, along with husband Howdie have become familiar and well-established faces in the Ipswich community.

“Ruthie and her team are a prime example of the quality customer service and product expertise we deliver day in, day out and I am excited to see the new Ipswich store go on to provide new and innovative services for our customers,” he says.

Further north in the state, Battery World Mackay’s new owner Matt Moore took charge of the business, his second store in 12 months.

Matt also owns the retail outlet in the border town of Tweed Heads.

“Battery World franchises are highly sought after so when the opportunity came up to acquire a second store, Mackay made a lot of sense owing to its position as the only Battery World store in the region,” he says. 

“The Mackay store offers plenty of opportunity for growth both through our ability to serve customers and increased product offering.

“In my 12 months of working with Battery World, I’ve developed a strong passion for getting involved with local sport and events through sponsorship in the effort to give back to the community that supports local business.”

And while he is keen to become more involved across the Mackay city and region he’s taking a measured approach to change.

“We want to get settled into Mackay and understand the local market fully before making any major changes to the current store or exploring options of moving to a bigger location with a better retail layout and more, ‘try before you buy’ options,” Matt says.

Johnny Kennedy has high hopes for the Mackay business.

“Mackay’s population is now more than 117,000 and the city is also a very popular stopover for people taking holidays by road and towing a caravan.

“The region’s economy is expected to drive strong population growth in the next 20 years. Battery World anticipates the Mackay store will continue to grow through continued investment in products, customer service and by strengthening local community engagement.”