Must a new Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisee participate in the Omni-Channel Program?
Batteries_Plus_Bulbs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As described in Item 12 above, we launched the Omni-Channel Program in 2015, through which we will operate (among other activities) a Key Accounts Program. Each new franchisee must participate in the Omni-Channel Program, including the Key Accounts Program, and service key accounts customers in their service and revenue area. In addition, key accounts customers may establish certain service requirements for products and services sold to them.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 48–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Batteries Plus Bulbs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, each new franchisee must participate in the Omni-Channel Program, including the Key Accounts Program. The Omni-Channel Program is designed to promote the sale of batteries, light bulbs, related items, device repair, and related services through electronic channels to retail, key accounts, and business customers. Franchisees must comply with the terms of the Omni-Channel Program and any future electronic commerce programs, adhering to rules established in the Operations Manual regarding revenue recognition from sales to customers within their protected area.
Participation in the Omni-Channel Program also requires franchisees to service key accounts customers within their service and revenue area. Batteries Plus Bulbs may sell products and services to customers in a franchisee's protected area through the Omni-Channel Program, and can modify or replace the program at any time, although they cannot unilaterally change e-commerce territory rights granted in the Franchise Agreement.
Franchisees must pay an Omni-Channel access fee of $10,000 before opening their store, along with then-current fees associated with the program. Additionally, a monthly maintenance fee of $200 is required, due at the same time and manner as the Royalty and Service Fee. Batteries Plus Bulbs may change the monthly maintenance fee or impose other fees with 30 days' written notice.
The Key Accounts Program, operated within the Omni-Channel Program, caters to multi-state, multiple location, or specialized service customers, including group purchasing organizations and insurance providers. Franchisees must participate in the Key Accounts Program and comply with its terms as described in the Operations Manual or in writing. Batteries Plus Bulbs establishes the rules for franchisee participation and compensation in the Key Accounts Program and may modify or terminate the program at any time.