ZIPS® Dry Cleaners Begins Search for a Few Good Franchisees

ZIPS®, the Baltimore/Washington area's largest chain of same-day, one-price dry cleaners, announced today that it is now offering Franchise opportunities in select markets. Started in 1996, ZIPS® currently operates 12 dry cleaning stores from Timonium, Maryland to Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Already an $8 billion dollar industry, the dry cleaning industry is expected to grow four percent over the next several years. ZIPS, according to Brett Vago, Board Chairman of Value Dry Cleaners of America, the parent company of ZIPS Franchising LLC, says the company's successful business model puts it in a unique position to capture its fair share of this growing market. "As a ZIPS owner, I can attest to the public's acceptance of our fast, efficient, one-price dry cleaning and laundry services. ZIPS has developed a franchise offering with a comprehensive package that will appeal to entrepreneurs who want a solid business model combined with the technology and marketing support necessary to help them succeed," emphasized Vago.

Vago added that ZIPS Franchising LLC is taking a conservative, manageable approach to this initial franchise offering. Over the next 18 months, the company will confine its search for franchisees to the Baltimore - Washington region, expecting to award 20 licenses during the period and open seven to eight new ZIPS Dry Cleaners within the first year. Interested franchisees should expect to invest $500,000 to $700,000 and open for business four to six months after locating a retail site. Included in this initial investment is a $50,000 franchise fee. ZIPS requires that a retail site be 3,000 square feet in size, and will assist franchisees in identifying appropriate, high-traffic locations. The company expects to publicly kick off its franchise program with a week-long, in-store promotional event in September.