Where does Ascent and Batteries Plus Bulbs source inventory from?

According to the 2025 Batteries Plus Bulbs FDD, both Ascent and Batteries Plus Bulbs source their inventory from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Ascent Battery Supply, LLC (Ascent) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Batteries Plus, LLC. Ascent operates a supply chain to purchase, warehouse, and distribute inventory for both company-owned and franchised Batteries Plus Bulbs stores.

This information is relevant for prospective franchisees as it indicates the established supply chain and sourcing locations utilized by Batteries Plus Bulbs. Knowing that inventory is sourced from Hong Kong and Shenzhen can give franchisees insight into potential lead times, shipping costs (which totaled approximately $7,601 in 2024 and $7,473 in 2023), and other logistical considerations related to inventory procurement.

Understanding the role of Ascent in the supply chain is also important. As Ascent handles the purchasing, warehousing, and distribution, franchisees will likely interact with Ascent for their inventory needs. Additionally, supplier commissions earned by Ascent on purchases directly shipped to franchised stores are included as other operating income, while commissions on purchases shipped to Batteries Plus operated stores are recorded as a reduction to costs of merchandise sold. This distinction in accounting for supplier commissions could impact the financial performance of franchised versus company-operated stores.