HARTFORD, Conn. — Zoots Corp. has filed a notice with the Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) indicating it plans to close its Wallingford, Conn., plant as early as next month, laying off about 80 employees.
Rick Simoneau, Zoots executive vice president of operations, told the Connecticut Post that a final decision has not yet been made about the facility, and all retail locations will remain open. In addition, the company will offer any displaced employees the option of relocating to another Zoots facility.
The closure may be a sign that the company is faltering in its quest to be the first nationwide drycleaning brand. Last year, Zoots lost its top executives, and unconfirmed rumors in the industry say that the company has begun renegotiating its leases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Zoots operates nine stores, three plants and numerous pickup-and-delivery routes in Connecticut, serving more than 70 communities. The Newton, Mass.-based chain operates more than 50 retail locations in the Northeast and Virginia.
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