ZIPS Dry Cleaners Soars With Energized Franchisees

In the highly-fragmented $20 billion business of dry cleaning and laundry, ZIPS Dry Cleaners stands alone as the No. 1 franchise primed for explosive growth.

Franchisees are eager to expand with the industry disrupting brand known for its revolutionary same day, one-price business model.

“We signed on to open five stores in Indianapolis, but are so energized that we now have a goal of opening 15 in Indiana,” says first-time franchisee Emma Frutkin, who recently opened ZIPS’ first Midwest location with husband, Larry.

ZIPS is on a roll. With nearly 60 locations in eight states, the Greenbelt, Maryland-based brand boasts a burgeoning franchise development pipeline of more than 250 stores slated to open over the next three years.

For the Frutkins, the opportunity to bring ZIPS to Larry’s hometown of Indianapolis has been a dream come true.

The seasoned entrepreneurs fell in love with one-price dry cleaning while living and working in Chicago.  Larry owned a home building company and Emma was wrapping up a decade-long career at a software tech company when they began to see the housing market bubble—again. The couple, with three young boys, decided it was time to turn to a steadier and scalable franchise venture.

They found the real deal in ZIPS. Founded in 1996, and franchising since 2006, the proven brand’s high-volume, high-value proposition has turned the industry on its head with a $2.29 flat rate, per item price and same-day pickup service. Last year alone, the company saved customers $85 million in dry cleaning costs–a cash savings of $133 per person.

ZIPS also leads the way in the industry with an eco-friendly approach that creates 90 percent less waste than most operations. The franchise recycles thousands of hangers each year, uses 100 percent biodegradable plastic bags, and constantly seeks new strategies to reduce water usage and waste production.  

Consumers embrace the concept, notes Emma.

“The Indianapolis market is saturated with old-school dry cleaners that charge 60% more than ZIPS and people are OVER IT,” she says.

The Frutkins credit ZIPS’ comprehensive support and training for a fast franchise start and bullish forecast for the future. Every franchisee begins their journey at ZIPS University with Dry Cleaning Boot Camp, 10 weeks of hands-on, classroom-style learning at the corporate home.

“We learned every part of the business and moved back to Indianapolis confident in our ability to knock it out of the park,” notes Emma. “Ongoing, there are twice-annual franchisee meetings, monthly visits and weekly calls with our ZIPS point-person, and numerous opportunities to collaborate and network with other franchisees.”

Expect Zips’ franchise network to soar. With aggressive coast-to-coast expansion underway, ZIPS is set to be a national brand laser-focused on owning the top spot in every operating market

“ZIPS is the future of cleaning clothes,” adds Emma.  “Consumers are fed up with the high prices of old-school dry cleaning and the frustration of not knowing how much it will cost or when their clothes will even be done.  Plus, the days of PERC are over. Consumers want an eco-friendly solvent for the Earth and for their own health. We love the value we’re giving to our customers and find the brand approachable and fun.”

To learn more about the ZIPS’ franchise opportunity, visit discover.321zips.com. 

SPONSORED BY:
ZIPS Cleaners
Offering same-day service, a single low price, and a streamlined process that’s simple to replicate, ZIPS is a standout in the garment care segment. Multiple formats afford faster, less costly market coverage. Look your best in a great opportunity. Learn More