Batteries Plus Launches AI Platform to Boost Franchise Growth and Store Efficiency
Event summary
- Batteries Plus introduced a proprietary AI platform with three tools: Savannah for franchise development, Edison for call management, and Wattson for product navigation.
- Full deployment across 700+ stores is expected by the end of September 2026.
- Savannah has already increased franchise development activity, while Edison intercepts spam calls and ensures consistent branded messaging.
- Wattson simplifies product searches for both associates and customers, starting with automotive batteries and expanding to other categories by year-end.
The big picture
Batteries Plus is leveraging AI to streamline franchise development and enhance in-store operations, aligning with broader retail trends toward automation and data-driven customer service. With over 800 locations in development, the company aims to strengthen its position as a leader in essential retail by minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency through technology.
What we're watching
- Franchise Scaling
- How Savannah's AI-driven lead qualification will impact the pace of new franchise openings across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
- Customer Engagement
- Whether Edison's AI call management can sustain improved customer satisfaction and reduce missed business opportunities.
- Operational Efficiency
- The pace at which Wattson's AI-powered product navigation will expand to other categories beyond automotive batteries.
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