CLIFTON, N.J. — New Jersey-based DeLuxe Cleaners recently hit a milestone that not many companies — dry cleaners or otherwise — achieve, celebrating its 90th year in business.
Joseph DeLora Sr. started DeLuxe in 1930, in the midst of the Great Depression. The company has remained a family-owned establishment throughout its existence, with Joseph’s sons Patrick and James DeLora taking over in the 1950s. During the 1990s, the next generation — Patrick Jr. and his sister, Linda — took the reins.
“When my grandfather opened DeLuxe in 1930,” says Patrick DeLora, Jr., “I don’t think he ever thought that we would grow to become one of the largest dry cleaners in New Jersey.” The company currently employs more than 30 staff members and, in addition to its drycleaning services, offers home delivery service to dozens of communities in Northern New Jersey. During its 90-year existence, the company estimates that it has serviced more than 12,000,000 garments.
During DeLuxe’s existence, there have been, among other events, 15 presidents, various economic and social upheavals and a world war. Of all these events, however, the coronavirus pandemic has proven to be the most challenging.
"The past few months, we have had to change the way we do business, adjusting our store hours, limiting home deliveries, and cutting back on production days,” Delora says. "I've taken the lessons I learned from both my grandfather and father and am hopeful that these lessons will be enough to survive these difficult times."
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