Batteries Plus Rolls Out AI Tools: What Shoppers Should Expect

Batteries Plus, the battery and automotive services retailer, announced the launch of three new artificial intelligence tools designed to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. The rollout is underway across all Batteries Plus locations nationwide, with full deployment expected by the end of September. These tools represent a significant investment in modernizing how the retailer serves customers and operates its franchise network.

Three New AI Tools Transform Store Operations

The retailer developed three distinct AI applications targeting different aspects of its business. Each tool was built through a combination of vendor partnerships, external consultants, and in-house development teams to ensure they align with Batteries Plus’ specific operational needs.

Savannah is an SMS voice agent designed to support franchise development. Prospective franchise owners can call Savannah to ask questions about becoming a Batteries Plus franchisee. After each call, the system sends a follow-up email containing information about the company’s history, business model, a franchise application, and details about scheduling a discovery call with the franchise development team. According to the chief development officer, this has dramatically increased engagement and franchise development activity by ensuring that conversations with the company’s team happen with more informed potential partners.

Edison handles incoming customer calls to Batteries Plus stores. The voice assistant can answer common questions about store hours, directions, battery recommendations, and other routine inquiries. Since the retailer’s network includes more than 700 stores that each receive an average of 30 calls per day, automating these interactions frees up employees to focus on customers in the store. The system can also filter spam calls and transfer complex inquiries to human staff members when necessary.

Wattson assists store associates and website visitors in finding the correct product quickly. The tool connects to Batteries Plus’ point-of-sale system and simplifies what was previously a complicated process, especially for automotive batteries that require consideration of engine size, vehicle sub-models, and other technical details. The retailer has expanded Wattson beyond automotive products to other categories based on sales volume.

Real Results for Shoppers and Store Staff

The investment in AI technology has already produced measurable improvements. Batteries Plus reduced failed product searches by 25 percent and achieved a 35 to 40 percent customer inquiry containment rate. This means that more than one-third of customer service interactions are now resolved through automated self-service channels without requiring an employee to take over the conversation. For shoppers, this translates to faster responses, shorter wait times, and quicker access to product information.

The company built this foundation over several years by developing what it calls a knowledge-centric architecture. Rather than simply upgrading raw systems, Batteries Plus invested in structured, semantically rich data that allows AI tools to reason accurately and provide reliable assistance. This thoughtful approach ensures that the artificial intelligence supports rather than frustrates the customer experience.

According to the CEO, the goal was not to implement AI technology merely for the sake of adopting cutting-edge tools. Instead, the retailer created solutions that genuinely assist the entire business model, allowing everyone from corporate leadership to store associates to work efficiently while remaining the expert decision-makers focused on serving customers.

What This Means for Your Shopping Experience

These changes reflect a broader industry trend of retailers modernizing operations to improve service efficiency and customer satisfaction. For Batteries Plus shoppers, the rollout should mean faster in-store service, quicker phone responses, and better product recommendations tailored to specific needs.

The automation of routine tasks like call answering and basic product searches allows store employees to spend more time helping customers with complex questions or specialized needs. When you visit a Batteries Plus location or call with a question, you’re more likely to reach a knowledgeable associate who can dedicate attention to your specific situation rather than being tied up with routine inquiries.

The expanded AI strategy also signals that Batteries Plus plans to continue implementing additional AI-powered tools across its store network. The company is positioning itself as a technology-forward retailer while maintaining its identity as a specialized battery and automotive services provider. As these tools mature and expand to more product categories, shoppers can expect increasingly personalized and faster service.

For those seeking reliable battery solutions or automotive services, the enhanced systems mean a smoother journey from initial inquiry through purchase and beyond. The retailer’s commitment to making AI work for practical business purposes rather than pursuing technology for its own sake suggests that future upgrades will continue to prioritize actual customer benefit.