Lapels Cleaners Expands Further into South Carolina

INDIAN LAND, S.C. — York County, South Carolina is an area that has become as one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S. Sensing the opportunity, a new Lapels Cleaners will soon be opening one mile away, in Indian Land, S.C.

Todd Huston, owner of Lapels Cleaners of Fort Mill and Lapels Cleaners of Berewick in Charlotte, NC, acquired this location, previously a Natural Green Cleaners. Lapels Cleaners of Indian Land began operations on December 19. A Grand Opening will be held on April 1.

“It was a fairly straightforward transaction,” says Huston. “Since it’s a satellite location, we were able to conduct business as Lapels Cleaners of Indian Land on day one —clothing from the store is cleaned at our plant at Lapels Cleaners of Fort Mill.”

Huston believes this was the right time for the expansion.

“The pandemic changed a lot of things for a lot of people,” he says. “That’s led many to realize they could live and work anywhere and nearby York County was one of those places where people wanted to relocate. With the growth in population comes the need for the variety of cleaning services we offer at Lapels. Whether you were a customer of the previous cleaners or new to the area, you’re going to love what Lapels brings to the table.”

Huston spent nearly three decades in the fashion retail industry in nearly all facets of the business—sales, marketing, merchandising and operations. Looking for a new challenge, he began researching franchise opportunities where he could best utilize his sales, marketing and organizational skills. Lapels’ emphasis on using an environmentally friendly cleaning process is one of the reasons Huston says he was attracted to the company.

“I have a degree in fashion design,” he says. “Before opening Lapels Cleaners of Fort Mill, I had a very long and successful management career in retail, specifically in apparel. I have never seen a drycleaning process that cleans and extends the life of clothing like Lapels,” says Huston, who also saw the need for more and better garment cleaners in the greater Charlotte area.

Huston was named Lapels Franchise Owner of the Year in 2019 and 2020. “Lapels Cleaners also sets itself apart with our customer service,” he says. “And that’s another area where we will delight customers.”