CHICAGO — The West was the only region to register increased dry cleaning sales in both December and the fourth quarter of 2012 when compared to the same periods the previous year, according to the results of this month’s AmericanDrycleaner.com StatShot survey.
Operators in the West saw upswings of 3.6% in December-to-December sales and 4.4% in quarter-to-quarter sales. Several operators said they are seeing signs of growth in their areas, but some expressed caution about consumer uncertainty the “fiscal cliff” warnings has caused.
“Good pickup for the holiday season,” says one. “Slow in comparison to the good ol’ days. Cold weather (is) helping to keep winter wear in use where (it’s) normally not so cold.”
“Some industries are starting to trend up,” adds another. “Home prices and sales are slowly moving up. The dry cleaning and laundry industry are still pretty flat. Pickup and delivery services seem to be gaining where front-door retail is flat.”
