ZIPS Dry Cleaners Eyes Rapid Franchise Expansion Focused on Unit and Revenue Growth 

ZIPS Dry Cleaners is revving up for growth, reenergized and ready to soar as an industry-disrupting brand.

Now with 70 locations in 10 states and Washington D.C., ZIPS – already the top garment-care brand in the Mid-Atlantic – has its sights set on aggressive nationwide expansion in the highly fragmented $20 billion industry. The Greenbelt, Md.-based chain boasts a robust franchise development pipeline of 150 new stores slated to open over the next three years, using a targeted, data-driven approach to site selection designed to maximize performance potential at every location.

Founded in 1996 when eight independent operators in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area decided to band together to revolutionize the dry-cleaning business, ZIPS boasts a unique heritage bolstered by the support of long-term franchisees and owners and a proven track record of success. The brand’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, along with an in-by-9-out-by-5 guarantee and a single low price to dry clean any garment, make ZIPS the perfect fit for today’s busy and eco-conscious world.

Over the years, the ZIPS brand has perfected the science and process of high-quality garment care to maximize consumer satisfaction and deliver superior returns to investors. High volume combined with proven turn-key processes gives owners a streamlined operations model with multiple revenue streams – dry cleaning, laundry services, household item care, and alterations – to maximize profits. The average unit store volume for ZIPS currently stands at nearly $1.1 million. A resilient mindset focused on value, transparency, and unparalleled customer service has served the brand and its franchise partners well.

The brand’s unmatched positioning appealed strongly to North Carolina entrepreneurs Visesh and Vishal Velagapudi, who recently signed an eight-unit development agreement that will bring ZIPS to Charlotte. Visesh explains that he and his brother were seeking a scalable concept that would provide sustained success when they discovered ZIPS. The pair, who own residential rental properties in Charlotte, knew the concept’s same-day service and flat price of $2.49 per item would do well there. After talking with more than 20 franchisees, they were sold on ZIPS’s high-value proposition, benefitting both customers and franchisees.

“The ZIPS franchise opportunity aligned with our vision of joining and expanding with a successful and proven franchise model,” says Visesh. “Charlotte presents a unique business opportunity to tap into a market where ZIPS can truly be a disruptor and bring the brand’s unparalleled consumer proposition to life! We are excited to bring ZIPS to Charlotte.”

In addition to attracting new franchisees, the ZIPS business model has been inspiring existing franchisees to expand in their markets. Prior to the pandemic, a multi-unit operator in the Maryland/Virginia/Washington, D.C., area, Franklin Morgan Capital, signed a new development agreement that will yield 20 new locations in the Atlanta market within the next five years. Operating partners Allan Boomer and Tiffany Hawkins are eagerly pursuing opportunities to open the first of these new locations.

“After opening a few locations in ZIPS’ home market, we were ready to break ground in a new market. There was no question that Atlanta was our first choice,” says Hawkins. “I love Atlanta; the people of this city deserve a high-quality dry cleaner with a modern, service-oriented focus and a cost-saving single low price.”

As we emerge from the pandemic, ZIPS has resumed opening new locations to bring its unparalleled service to more communities nationwide. In recent weeks, new stores have debuted in Centreville, Virginia and Perry Hall, Maryland. Additional openings are on the horizon.

ZIPS also plans to roll out new initiatives to increase revenue potential for its operators. Several such programs are slated to debut later this year.

The company is also leading the way in employing new environmentally friendly practices, such as its use of hydrocarbon, a more eco-friendly and less aggressive dry-cleaning solvent than the more commonly used perchloroethylene (or “PERC”). ZIPS also recycles thousands of hangers each year, uses 100% biodegradable plastic bags, and focuses on continuing to reduce water usage and waste production.

ZIPS will continue to expand throughout the East and gradually increase its focus on adding more units in the West, says Abhi Parikh, franchise sales manager for ZIPS Franchising Inc. The company will be guided through this next chapter by new leadership, as it recently named Bob Barry, a seasoned franchise leader and ZIPS board member for the past eight years, to serve as its new President/CEO.

Barry, who oversaw the expansion of The Greene Turtle throughout the East for more than a decade and has recently been an investor and advisor for several other companies, will focus on expanding the ZIPS system throughout the country and rolling out new programs to leverage the brand’s reputation for quality service and low price.

“Our business has never had a brighter future,” Barry says. “Our customers are excited to re-emerge into the economy, and we are excited to help them look their best as they do, bringing our convenient, cost-effective service to more and more communities.”

Ready to make your mark with a leading, recession-proof brand? Head over to discover.321zips.com.  Click the “Let’s Talk” button to explore opportunities with a one-of-kind franchise proposition or contact Franchise Sales Manager Abhi Parikh at (717) 495-7995 or aparikh@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