CHICAGO — Sales grew in three regions of the United States in November 2011, according to this month’s StatShot survey. Dry cleaners in the Northeast reported the biggest surge, with sales up 3.2% from November 2010.
Sales grew at a more modest pace elsewhere, with the South up 1.0% and the West up 0.5%. Midwestern operators saw their November 2011 sales fall 1.1% from the previous November.
“2011 was another challenging year,” says a Midwestern operator. “It can be most clearly defined by the statement that, ‘flat sales are the new up.’ With slight monthly increases year over year, there is a clear expectation that 2012 will be a good year.”
“Struggling, pulling out all the stops,” reports an operator from the South. “Trying everything to generate sales. Just slow to no response.”
“Business is still spotty, but improving,” reports a Western operator. “I feel next year will be much better.”
