Got juice? Battery brands power up for mobile consumption

A changing world is boosting demand for more than one kind of juice. The battery business is changing and retailers are finding space and visibility for innovative products that target more specific needs.

Back-to-school might bring iPods to mind, but hearing aid batteries are a business that will continue growing. As a result, retailers need to have a wider range of products than ever before and will need to merchandise those products so that consumers think of them when they need fresh voltage.

Some consumers might not be aware of all of their battery needs or of power products that might make their lives easier and, in some cases, safer. Battery producers have focused on developing more specifically targeted power products for a range of devices and situations.

Duracell, for example, has a business alliance with Xantrex Technology, through which the battery producer has introduced a new line of Duracell-branded portable power products, including inverters, power packs and battery chargers, to meet the needs of mobile culture. After all, computers, cell phones, even portable GPS devices are increasingly common and require a power source that can go anywhere at any time.

The market is there, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, which sites studies indicating that approximately 54.1 million people own a portable digital media device. Duracell’s new line, which launched in June 2007, will provide retailers and consumers with high quality portable power products from one of the world’s most recognized and trusted brands.