Australia’s leading battery retailer, Battery World, has experienced growth of 21.2% in May and 20.5% in June compared to the previous correspond period across its network of 111 stores, as consumers choose to support small business and buy local during the pandemic.
Contributing to the success was the network’s ability to meet the changing needs of customers by expanding their services to introduce contactless delivery and free battery testing coupled with vehicle health checks and free 24/7 roadside assistance.
New franchisee Matt Moore took over ownership of the Tweed Heads Battery World store during the height of the pandemic and over the past three months, his store has achieved 75% growth.
“As a new franchisee, my focus was on customer service. At a time when everyone was feeling uncertain, our customers valued our team’s personable approach and determination to help them in any situation,” Moore said.
Townsville Battery World franchisee, Greg Leslie also saw large growth in May and accredited his double-digit growth to ensuring customers had continued access to quality Australian-made products when they needed it.
“We saw a massive push for Aussie-made products coming from the community, particularly with car batteries and camping and leisure products as families started to switch their international and interstate travel plans with road trips closer to home,” Leslie said.
“Our main goal as a store was to keep our doors open to help customers in a time when they needed us most. With people remaining at home, our customers were appreciative of Battery World’s free delivery initiative, as it eased their situation with convenience and continued access to necessary supplies.”
Battery World executive director, Paulus Wanandi said to achieve such success during one of the hardest retailing environments is a testament to Battery World’s commitment to supporting local communities and reputation for product expertise and quality products.
“We wanted to give our franchisees messages they could go to market with comfortably and confidently, and tangible sales strategies that would add value to our customers. We realised early on the resounding consumer sentiment seeking Australian companies and products to support and engage with during this time. We revised the content distributed to our membership loyalty program, The Volt, to suit and launched a $99 Australian-made car battery promotion as a response, and our network saw sales increase week-on-week,” he said.
The brand is focusing its efforts on recruitment with new enquiries from both interested buyers and existing franchisees looking to expand.
“We are continuously looking at ways to improve, and we are excited for the next phase of the business as we broaden our ability to deliver and offer more quality, Australian-made products, services and product expertise across the nation,” Wanandi said.