Hartland, Wis. — Specialty retail chain Batteries Plus Bulbs plans to roll out its in-store repair program for handheld devices to all of its 650-plus locations by year’s end.
The walk-in program began last August with a 40-market test and is currently offered in over 275 stores.
The company-owned and franchised stores operate in 46 states and provide access to 45,000 laptop, cellphone, automobile, and other specialty batteries and bulbs. A spokesperson for the chain said it has been opening one to two stores per week.
The fix-it service covers smartphones, tablets and iPods, and provides repairs for screens, buttons, ports, water damage and Internet access, as well as battery and screen-protector installation. No appointment is necessary, and most repairs can be made in 60 to 90 minutes, the retailer said.
The repairs carry a six-month warranty on all parts and workmanship.
The company said the program was developed to help differentiate the chain by its service and expertise, and to provide speedy while-you-wait repairs as a low-cost alternative to buying a new device. Batteries Plus Bulbs also offers other value-added services, such as testing, conditioning and rebuilding custom battery packs for rechargeable household and commercial products.