Wash-and-wear, permanent press and other easy-care options take a big bite out of the market as the 1970s dawn; recession, stagflation and two prolonged energy crises also help slash sales and profits. But America’s small businesses mature alongside its consumer culture, and while bruised, drycleaning isn’t beaten.
With concerns about fuel prices, global warming and other issues, more consumers are demanding “environmentally friendly” or “organic” options. But as the “green” message has become an increasingly salient selling point, it has lost some of its meaning.
LAS VEGAS, Nev.— A packed house attended yesterday's panel discussion at Clean '07, "Solvent Options," to hear actual users discuss their experiences with perc and several alternative solvents — as well as another surprising announcement from the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI), formerly known as IFI.
