NAME OF BUSINESS: Batteries Plus Bulbs
LOCATION: 3204 W. Monte Vista Avenue
CONTACT: (209) 632-0600
HOURS OF OPERATION: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
HISTORY OF BUSINESS: Opening their doors just three weeks ago, Turlock’s newest specialty store Batteries plus Bulbs is offering thousands of choices for anyone seeking new batteries or lighting options. Providing a full line of additional services as well, such as a free battery check, the store has quickly become a staple in Turlock’s Monte Vista Crossings.
“So far it’s been good here in Turlock,” said store owner Jerry Stokes. “We’ve had the opportunity to not only work with walk-in customers, but with commercial customers too…We’re definitely enjoying Turlock, and this wonderful shopping center.”
Joining 600 stores nationwide, Turlock’s Batteries plus Bulbs is the second store owned by Stokes, as he runs another location in Modesto. Additionally, Stokes plans to open a third location in Manteca within the next two years.
Offering batteries for cell phones, laptops, cameras, vehicles, and just about any object that is battery-operated, Stokes says that the store is a must for anyone seeking a specific type of battery. Additionally, the store carries all kinds of universal chargers that are compatible with multiple devices.
“We have about 40,000 options in batteries and light bulbs, many of which we carry in stock,” said Stokes. “But should we not have it in the store; we have thousands of options that we can order for our customers as well. We’re generally always able to find what they’re looking for.”
Customers can buy in bulk as well, making the cost of powering or lighting something up a bit lower. In addition to their many products, the store offers multiple services, including making deliveries to commercial customers.
“As part of our services that we offer, we will do free battery testing, where a customer can come in and have their battery tested to see if it needs rebuilding, which we can do, or if it needs to be replaced,” said Stokes. “Sometimes customers will come to have their battery tested because their device isn’t working, and after we test the battery and find that nothing is wrong with it, we can tell them that the problem is with the device. Since it’s a free service we offer, our customers are saving money because many times people will incorrectly replace a battery thinking it is the root of the problem, when it might be a problem with the device itself. We also do this same service for car batteries, free of charge.”
As Turlock residents start making their way to check out the new battery story, Stokes reminds his new customers that with the ongoing drought and increased fire risks, it is important to properly store and dispose of old batteries.
“A junk drawer is a fire risk with batteries, but I know that a lot of people throw them in there thinking nothing of it,” said Stokes. “The problem is, the exposed metal on the battery should be taped off with electrical tape. If this part touches or rubs against another metal object, something as small as a paper clip even, it could start a fire.”
The store also offers various battery storage options, including some that will recharge the batteries in the process.
“There are options available that can hang on the wall or be put in a drawer in a closed container,” said Stokes. “It’s a matter of safety.”
BUSINESS SPECIALTY: Thousands of light bulbs and batteries; battery services, including free checks; automotive bulbs and batteries.
