CHICAGO — When asked in this last quarter 2019 American Drycleaner Your Views survey to tell us: “Is your drycleaning business everything you hoped it would be?” Here is what respondents reveal:
The survey asks: “Do you have things planned for the year 2020?”
Here is what respondents are saying:
• “Open a new store.”
• “Maximize our routes and add an assembly conveyor.”
• “Website upgrade and greater use of POS systems abilities.”
• “Advertising. And adding laundry capacity.”
• “Restoration increase.”
• “Turning one plant into a pickup store.”
• “Expanding wetcleaning and fine washables. I am more interested in profit than pieces. Fluff and fold never showed the ROI of gowns, vintage jerseys, painted tees.”
• “Spruce up store and new clothes for staff.”
• “Shifting to more delivery service.”
• “Looking for locations for new stores or buying existing stores in 2020.”
• “Big time expansion!”
The survey also asks: “If you’re not growing revenue or profits as much as you’d like to, what’s the problem?” Respondents indicate:
• “Rent situation.”
• “Declining piece counts.”
• “Increasing labor cost.”
• “Too many competitors and less customers.”
The survey then asks: “Do you have partners in your drycleaning business or are you going it alone?”
Fifty-seven percent say, “Sole owner.”
Thirty-seven percent answer, “Family ownership.”
Four percent relate, “Combination.” Two percent indicate, “Partnership, non-family.”
Lastly, the survey asks: “Do you think 2020 will be an even better year than 2019?”
• “I do think 2020 will be a better year for companies that continue to learn and change with the times.”
• “I am not optimistic about the retail side of my business. Need to reduce staffing, focus on budgeting.”
• “No. The mass of consumers have little interest in paying for our services. Many consumers are clueless to what a ‘dry’ cleaners does.”
• “Strong emphasis on customer service will keep us moving in the right direction.”
• “We need to keep our eye on the ball and watch expenses.”
• “Yes. Adapt to survive! Adapt to be profitable!”
The Your Views survey offers a current snapshot of the trade audience’s views. Qualified subscribers to American Drycleaner e-mails are invited to participate anonymously in the unscientific poll.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].