Demand for Batteries Is Shrinking, Yet Prices Keep On Going and Going…Up

Consumers remain willing to pay more for Duracell and Energizer disposable batteries, even as rechargeables make inroads

The ubiquitous power cord hasn’t done in the Energizer bunny yet.

Shoppers are paying more for disposable batteries even though the proliferation of toys and consumer electronics powered by built-in rechargeable batteries has reduced U.S. demand.

That is because the two biggest disposable-battery brands, Duracell and Energizer, control over...