A family-owned Erie business is proving that even in the age of online shopping and big-box retailers, specialized customer service can still keep a local company charged up for success.
At the corner of West 29th Street and Liberty Street, batteries line the shelves of Battery Outlet, a business that has served the community for more than four decades. While many people think of AA or 9-volt batteries when they hear the word “battery,” the store specializes in a much wider range of products, from automotive and wheelchair batteries to watch batteries, cell phone batteries, and key fob replacements.
Current owner Larry Brink is continuing a family legacy that began when his uncle started the business in the early 1980s, originally focusing on car batteries. Brink represents the third generation of family ownership, taking over after his father spent 35 years running the store.
Now 26 years old and a Harborcreek graduate, Brink wears many hats, handling customer service, repairs, inventory, and day-to-day operations himself.
One of the store’s popular services is battery testing and charging. Customers can have batteries checked for a small fee, though Brink says there is no charge if the battery is found to be unable to hold a charge.
Brink also takes pride in offering competitive prices, saying many of the products he sells cost less than those found at larger retailers. That approach, combined with personalized service, has helped the store build a loyal base of both residential and commercial customers over the years.
If a customer needs a battery that isn’t currently in stock, Brink says he can often order it quickly, helping meet a variety of specialized needs.
Looking ahead, Brink is focused on modernizing the business as it approaches its 45th year. Recent changes include expanding operations to six days a week, increasing the company’s online presence, and making physical improvements to the store.
For Brink, the goal is simple: continue growing the family business while providing the expertise and service that have kept customers coming back for generations.