New Batteries Plus runs on energy
Journal Register Newspapers - January 20, 2012 - By Tom Watts
Jesse Henry knows how to energize a community. As the vice president and manager of the new Batteries Plus location on Hall Road in Macomb Township, Henry has 10,000 types of light bulbs at his disposal - more than enough to strengthen workplace and household needs.
"We have any bulb for everything," said Henry, 25, of Clinton township.
"We carry 30,000 batteries; 10,000 light bubls. We're number one. CEO Steve Leach has given the reigns to Henry to pull in more light bulb and battery clientele.
"Cell phone batteries are a big need," Henry said. "You would be amazed (at) how many people need cell phone batteries. We have hearing aid batteries, batteries for generators."
With a new Batteries Plus location at 18443 Hall Road, there are now 22 Batteries Plus locations in Michigan, Henry said, and 490 locations nationwide.
"In Michigan, people are looking for opportunity and Batteires Plus has a proven track record of 20 years debt-free," he said.
"We'll do a lot for the area. With 90,000 cars running down M-59 each day, we like the location."
For starters, the compay provides rebuilds for drills and saws and other equipment.
"I have a background of blue-collar related jobs, and (I) know how to relate to homeowners and contractors," said Henry, who noted the new Batteries Plus location will fill a need in the community.
"This is a growing community for 20 years and we're happy to be part of it," he said.
There are very little battery-specific stores. We have the expertise and the experience to handle all needs."
Kevin Franks of Batteries Plus said one thing will set the new location apart from other retail outlets. "Our customer service will be a priority," said Franks of Imlay City.
Regular shipments will come in weekly for the hard-to-find batteries "We'll special ship any battery," Henry said.
"We're a business-to-business store. We have a tech center here and can do the repair work right on location in the building. You know where it comes from - I build them."
Donna Langlois of Harrison Township came into Batteires Plus because of word-of-mouth.
"My husband had a friend who said they were a lot cheaper than tose other places," said Langlois, who was with her 7-year-old son, Sean.
FYI - Batteries Plus is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 586-698-7354.