Remember batteries on your Christmas shopping list
Dec. 22, 2008
By Suzanne Stone

There are three little words that strike terror into the hearts of the hardiest Christmas shoppers: Batteries not included.

With gift ideas going more and more high-tech and concerns about environmental impact running high, batteries have become a more important part of the holiday shopping season than ever.

Batteries Plus began seeing a seasonal shopping rush at its Aiken and Augusta stores about two weeks before Christmas and it hasn't lessened, according to sales associate Ray Howard.

"People have come in looking for camcorder and digital camera batteries and chargers for both of those, and for regular alkaline batteries in AA, AAA and other sizes. We're always competitively priced with those, and we're having sales on them all through the season," Howard said.

Customers have been asking about battery recycling, and the store now offers a recycling program even for old alkaline batteries, Howard said.

Alkaline batteries can stay safely on a shelf for up to five years. Rechargeable batteries shouldn't be overcharged and are subject to power drains.

"In all circumstances, if you're not going to use something for a while, you should take the batteries out," he said.

"Even if it's not on, it's still pulling a drain on those batteries, especially with rechargeables."

Batteries Plus is located at 2645 Whiskey Road suite 111 and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Those looking for specific model batteries or chargers can call the store at 644-4994.

"We get a lot of repeat business," Howard said. "They'll have been five places with no luck, they're all stressed out, and they come in here and show us their battery, and we take them right to it. So they know to come here first."

Contact Suzanne Stone at sstone@aikenstandard.com.