Quality dry cleaners are finding their market share decreasing and they are concerned for their future as independent operators in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As retail dry cleaning sales continue to flatten, dry cleaners across the country have expanded their service offerings to capture new business. One of the fastest growing niches is restoration dry cleaning. With the introduction of various national groups in 2001, restoration dry cleaning has hit the mainstream and is no longer viewed as an “add-on” service, but has matured to an independent and viable industry. “Almost 60% of dry cleaners have added new services in the last five years, according to the most recent survey appearing in the Wire. The most popular diversification? Specialty cleaning such as leather or gown service, with 44.4% of respondents offering the service. Other popular sidelines include restoration dry cleaning (33.3%), cleaning of household furnishings (18.5%), commercial or bulk service (18.5%), and retail route service (11.1%).” For more information on how you can become a part of this dynamic industry and offer FRSTeam services in your community, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, request a brochure, or contact us at 510 723-1008. Source: American Drycleaner, ©2005 Crain Communications.