According to Michael Eisner, today’s consumers are driving major changes in dry cleaning and laundry, an industry where many businesses are still using the outdated practices they have used since they opened countless years ago. By Elice Morgenson
According to Michael Eisner, today’s consumers are driving major changes in dry cleaning and laundry, an industry where many businesses are still using the outdated practices they have used since they opened countless years ago. Lapels Cleaners, pioneers of a 100% environmentally friendly, nontoxic dry-cleaning experience, have modernized the industry by adding the latest technology and innovation to its services. Customers appreciate the brand’s state-of-the-art systems and wide range of high-quality services.
“More adults are happy to spend money on time-saving services like delivery than on material items because time is so valuable to people,” said Michael Eisner, vice president of franchise development. “They love to outsource a lot of things, like laundry and dry cleaning. We have always offered wash, dry and fold services. As of the past two years, that service is becoming a much larger piece of our business than in previous years. We are now focusing on laundry as a substantial business generator, as dry cleaning has always been.”
Over the past few years, Eisner has seen a lot of consolidation of the dry-cleaning and laundry service industry, providing significant growth potential for franchise owners. “Many dry cleaners are still waiting for customers to walk through their doors. They do not offer laundry services or pickup and delivery routes. Not only do we offer all those services, but we also have added the on-demand element with a locker service and an app for notification. Our sales have skyrocketed coming out of the pandemic on a store-level basis, with laundry services alone seeing a 600% growth,” he said.
The brand has continued to be innovative by developing four franchise models that fit every investment level. The central processing plant handles all the incoming garments and provides a storefront opportunity for walk-in service or retail space. A satellite store can be opened, in addition to the plant or on its own, to facilitate the expansion of the delivery route of each plant. Also, a laundromat option converts an existing laundry space into a Lapels Cleaners, including the brand’s latest processes and technology. Delivery routes are an option for franchisees looking to take on a similar role as a satellite store without a storefront.
Elice Morgenson