Battery, Bulb, and Smartphone Repair Shop Closes in Dubuque

A store specializing in battery and lightbulbs, as well as smartphone and tablet repair, has closed in Dubuque and in various cities across Iowa.

Batteries Plus Bulbs was a staple on Dodge Street, near Wal-Mart in Dubuque. Located at 4370 Dodge Street, the store had access to around 50,000 different types of batteries, lightbulbs, and accessories; incredible inventory accessible in-store and available to order. In addition, the store specialized in repairing various pieces of technology, including cellphones, iPads, and iPods, per Telegraph Herald.

Why Batteries Plus Bulbs Closed:

According to multiple sources, including Google and Facebook, the company, operating as "Batteries Plus" in most metros, closed all their locations in Iowa and one in Illinois in various cities, including:

Davenport
Des Moines
Dubuque
East Moline
Iowa City

I wasn't able to source the exact reason for the closures, but it's possible the owner behind the Iowa locations wanted to retire, hence the widespread shuttering of operations.

Google Maps

Per Telegraph Herald, Batteries Plus opened its first store back in 1988, in Green Bay, WI; franchising began in 1992. Lightbulbs were added to the business model in 2010. Then, in 2014, Batteries Plus Bulbs launched smartphone and tablet repair services on a nationwide level. The Dubuque location opened in 2015.

2026 is proving to be a rough year for the American economy, and Dubuque is feeling it on the local front. Within the last month, Pita Pit in Asbury Plaza has closed, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is being replaced by another 7 Hills location, and Five Guys swiftly closed up shop in Dubuque. Back in January, 1st and Main also closed. Given how many places sell batteries and lightbulbs, including most grocery stores, I can only imagine how difficult it is to keep a business predicated on the two open.