GREENBELT, Md. – ZIPS Dry Cleaners recently signed a franchise development agreement with ZDC Holdings for the development of 104 stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
The agreement marks the largest deal to date for the nearly 20-year-old brand known for its same-day, one-price business model, ZIPS says.
Lev Davidson, operating principal of ZDC Holdings, says his company was drawn to ZIP’s “proven business model.”
“We look forward to bringing the brand’s one-of-a-kind services to new parts of the country and becoming the place where residents, families and professionals alike come for their drycleaning needs,” Davidson says.
Also contributing to ZDC’s decision to sign the development agreement was ZIPS’ environmentally friendly cleaning process, according to Davidson.
“In an industry that often coincides with negative sentiments in regards to eco-friendliness, ZIPS Dry Cleaners strives to become a leader with sustained efforts to minimize harm on the environment through technology and strict standards,” Davidson says.
The first stores developed under the deal will likely open this quarter, he adds.
“We are thrilled to enter into this relationship,” says Aaron Goldberg, vice president of Franchise Development for ZIPS Dry Cleaners. “We are at the beginning stages of what is going to be very exciting growth and development over the next several years, and signing an agreement of this size proves our ability to attract the highest level of sophisticated developers into the ZIPS franchise system.”
To augment the company’s growth, ZIPS is actively seeking multi-unit franchisees. Goldberg estimates there will be 50 ZIPS Dry Cleaners operating by the end of this year and as many as 80 by 2017. The growth will likely stay on the East Coast, but will push outside of the current footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region.
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