Dry cleaners feeling the squeeze as customers change habits

Dry cleaning businesses are feeling the squeeze, with some forced to fold. As CBS2's Dave Carlin reports, the rise in store closures is due to changing customer habits in the pandemic and worsening inflation.

[@mmedefarge]

Landlords have raised the rents so high, 3 supermarkets have closed and two dry cleaners in my neighborhood have closed. You have to haul groceries > a quarter mile from the nearest supermarket. Meanwhile all the spaces once occupied by supermarkets remain shuttered and empty. A once thriving neighborhood looks and feels as though another depression has hit.

[@operationlull3742]

I wish more people would just stand there ground and stay there conducting business.

[@quickflipper3782]

Its called ppl looting the stores and the businesses decided to move to florida and other red states that actually prosecute criminals

[@norwegianblue2017]

This is what I don't understand about raising rent so much. If you don't have new tenants lined up to pay the new rate, why force the existing tenant out? There is a strip mall near where I work and they basically forced out a long-term tenant that had a large store that was quite popular. The tenant moved up the street and got another unit that was even larger. Meanwhile, the store they left is still vacant after like 3-4 years. SMH

[@mmedefarge]

@@norwegianblue2017 It's the same here; landlords will allow spaces to go empty for YEARS on end rather than rent them. The boarded-up, graffiti eyesores become drug-addict magnets to boot, endangering residents. Added to this, is the lights-out initiative of DeBlasio, where business must shut-off their lights after closing time, leads to more nocturnal rats and illegal activity. You can barely see where you walk or the rats either.

[@frankcorrea9702]

Public looks shabby, anyway America looks like a third world country, people hygiene doesn't look up to par, sign of the time dirty chic, homeless!

[@ChrisCoombes]

I never made it into the dry cleaning lifestyle - congratulations to all those who did!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

me neither.. a waste of money.

[@vincentmontgomery9770]

@@anniesshenanigans3815 you just got nothing valuable worth cleaning

[@brianchung9640]

Imagine you bought a prada suit, what you gonna do after you wear it? Lmao😊

[@JustMe-dn9fh]

Dry cleaning is a luxury many people can no longer afford or need

[@damienyuen7718]

A luxury that many will stop using when times get tough. Many businesses when you think about are not necessities but rather luxuries in life. A grocery store is a necessity to have in your area. A pharmacy is a necessity. A dry cleaners not so much. Same with pet groomers and many other kinds of businesses. Things that people use to do themselves got passed on to others to create new industry but when a recession hits or is about to hit those are the first shops too close when people start cutting their expenses.

[@Bibirallie]

its more than the recession, the work from home is also a game a changer.

[@vincentmontgomery9770]

@@Bibirallie how much longer before dry cleaners become obsolete completely

[@doragemz]

Food is way too expensive… dry cleaners aren’t a priority in my life.

[@DWilliam1]

Even before the pandemic I was usually one of the few people on the train who still wears a suit. The pandemic has made it much worse since many people who used to wear suits work from home now. Finally, I buy only wrinkle free shirts and own my own steamer to avoid the chemicals. End of an era.

[@leonkennedy2909]

you must have felt really above everyone wearing a chump suit on public transport

[@damienyuen7718]

@@leonkennedy2909 People with money using public transportation is fine. Actually shows that they don't feel above anyone.

[@leonkennedy2909]

@@lolacookie453 a money wall street suit is a flex

[@leonkennedy2909]

@@lolacookie453 you appreciate economic rape?

[@testaccount1055]

Yes I never wore a suit to work ever in my life except at my first job for the first day. It’s all hoodies, jeans and T-shirt’s in the office now even in board meetings. The old life of our parents wearing suits everyday is a thing of the past.

[@IntriguedLioness]

I didn't care for the idea of chemicals and large batch cleaning so as far back as university I simply learned that wool skirts and silk blouses can be washed and I have done so ever since. The only things I have taken to dry cleaners are winter coats. And as most of them have become more like Patagonia vests that I can wash in a washer and tumble dry with tennis balls even that I've cut back on. I just never liked the idea of all the chemicals in the first place.

[@dd4850]

There’s harsh chemicals in the stuff you use at home

[@CCS795]

Dry Cleaners hardly use chemicals anymore, that’s a thing of the past. I know, I am one.

[@billh.1940]

What about rents? Most clothes are washable!

[@apex-tur6747]

I pay 5 hundred a month for a furnished big ass room close to Astoria Park Queens all utilities included LMAO...How did I get it ? Luck...

[@billh.1940]

Hi, I pay less then 2k per month in a very good neighborhood in Brooklyn, went to a very local agent. 5 rooms! But mostly luck! I will not say where as I don't want to see yuppies who will turn the area into art studios and way over priced coffee shops! If I wanted Manhatten crap, I could have moved there a long time ago! Take care!

[@turdfurgeson517]

Nobody should chemically clean their clothes

[@JustMe-dn9fh]

Soap detergents we buy in the store are chemically cleaning our clothes in the washing machine. So not sure what your point is.

[@CCS795]

We don’t use chemicals anymore.

[@InternacionalBoxing]

Media has it all wrong, even folks who are into urban fashion nowadays actually use dry cleaners! I take t-shirts and basketball jerseys etc. To them every 2 weeks

[@ericsantiago8805]

Same here my work pants and white uniform shirts even my name brand street wear goes in the cleaners people just got cheap cus prices went up that’s the truth

[@avanulaneway8418]

waste of moniesss

[@InternacionalBoxing]

@@ericsantiago8805 EXACTLY!

[@NadiaZoe1111]

My local dry cleaners have raised their prices and announced another raise soon. I'm now forced to iron my clothes which is much least favorite thing to do

[@DWilliam1]

Buy a steamer. Costs around $125 for a decent one. I bought one years ago and it was one of the best purchases I ever made.

[@damienyuen7718]

First world problem. 😂

[@QuickStix26]

Unless people start dry cleaning their pj’s, working from home is going to continue to hurt dry cleaners.

[@kartiersupremewhite330]

Money Funny!! Folks are cutting BACK.

[@vm9370]

cause people work from home these days, offices are half empty at nyc. Mayor and gov can deny all they want nyc is sinking.

[@DWilliam1]

Many offices are half full because people are working remotely, that said, the rents are sky high. Somebody wants to move and live here.

[@Minibike817]

Can you say recession 🤔🤔

[@orangecat5036]

I've always wanted to ride that moveing rack a few rounds.

[@kaycampbell8532]

Tim Conway

[@spg5658]

This is expected and natural as the world evolved from office work to remote work. Change is constant. Nothing unusual here. Remote work is just an obvious change since it's so much better for the worker. Not complicated.

[@june2420111]

I used to dry clean work clothes once a week, spent $50/month That's a thing of the past now, I work remotely now.

[@kevinforeman4485]

Let's talk about those barbershop prices.

[@DarkZerol]

Barbershop? I cut my own hair these day especially since the pandemic was a thing. I find it way better, in addition to learning a new skill, it also saves me a ton of money and time from going and waiting at a barber.

[@John27477]

Are you still working remotely? Or are you back in the office?

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

Never been to a dry cleaners in my life. My parents have never worn fabrics that couldn't be washed at home either.

[@ar-sr4ow]

Just closed the stores down less stressful.

[@davidr4523]

Several comments say they never really used dry cleaners even before the pandemic. How could you avoid their services if you ever wore a: suit, tie, dress, dress shirt, non-cotton or poly pants fabrics, large sheets, etc. Yes, there their prices were always outrageously high but they were always a necessary service.

[@cassandra2968]

And don't forget winter coats for those who live in the northern part of the country. I always take my coats to the cleaners. They charge $20 which isn't bad per se considering they use hangers, steam it and plastic to wrap it.

[@MikeCee7]

If you have to wear a suit jacket, you need a dry cleaner. (occasionally) Many corporate jobs since the 80s, a tie & dress shirts, & dress pants was the norm. You can wash & iron nice dress shirts at home. And many nice looking dress pants are machine washable. (As long as they’re not suit pants nor wool)

[@luigivincenz3843]

@@cassandra2968 Same! Once a year before summer, I bring my coats to the cleaners. They give me a discount for the amount.

[@joshuaupham5993]

We closed our family drycleaning business this June after 30 years. It just became to much for us all. It's a dying trade.

[@John27477]

I’m sorry to hear that. What challenges did you face?

[@joshuaupham5993]

@juanie042700 hiring help, matenance on equipment, environmental, costs, sales dropping little by little each year. It's been just over a year for me, much less stress in my life.

[@Essays4College]

What's next?

[@joshuaupham5993]

@@Essays4College school custodian. Have health insurance now.

[@josecorrea2048]

very expensive... really without shame very expensive....... I used to pay for drycleaner every week but with what I pay I can pay for gas and the phone bill

[@lukask4021]

Clothing is overrated, we all should wear whatever makes us comfortable.

[@noellecms]

I say why don’t we all go back to Adam n Eve’s time to run around naked.

[@lukask4021]

I'm down

[@noellecms]

@@lukask4021 really?

[@jeffteyrosado9966]

Old cleaning is done

[@sct4040]

I mostly stop wearing clothes that needs dry cleaning. Just 1 wool coat left. Also, wearing my linen shirts slightly wrinkled ( hanged dry from the washer). Most people are just like me.

[@chrisv.4071]

People can't afford it anymore ..... so sad 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪

[@quickflipper3782]

Most ppl cant afford it anymore u already raised food and gas prices to the ceiling some ppl are barely getting by!

[@michaelciccone2194]

The chemicals used on clothes are nasty. PERC was used a lot in the past. The chemical residue would stay on the garments. Plus the thought of my clothes with other people's dry cleaning...not a pleasant thought!

[@CCS795]

That’s the past.

[@jennifer801]

I ditched dry clean only cleaning over 20 years ago. Mostly because I’m lazy. 🤣 Don’t want to have to drop off/pick up my laundry.

[@CCS795]

Most Cleaners offer pick-up and drop-off services.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I feel bad for these guys, but could that shop owner have worn a suit and tie?

[@prun8893]

For my last dozen zoom meetings I've worn a collared shirt and undershirt........and that's it. A week ago, my husband was committing inappropriate acts of an unprofessional nature on me while I was trying to have a zoom meeting. I stayed on my game, though.

[@BobJones-nk6nl]

Starbucks should be next. Are people out of their minds to spend $6 for a cup of latte?

[@mixedhairless]

Another staple becoming useless in 2022 poor guys..

[@leonkennedy2909]

Patrick Bateman needs his sheets cleaned.

[@dmoney5003]

Lots of possible variables, however as technology changes so does consumers needs. This why a business you have to try and reinvest in new business model or if possible reinvent your business to a complete new product

[@John27477]

That’s a great point. What add ons or changes would you make the current dry cleaning model to adapt to the times?

[@dd4850]

I just remembered my middle school graduation dress… we took it to the dry cleaner and they ruined it

[@John27477]

How?

[@harrybriscoe7948]

As long as people make bets on sports the dry cleaners will survive

[@34525314]

at 1:19 there is no possible way that van did not back into that car

[@maxinef6654]

Also a lot of people who do have to work in the office are dressed down.

[@noellecms]

Let’s see when all the small businesses go out of business and who’s going to feel the pain most.

[@hamdiben8163]

So?

[@michaeldoldron8444]

Yes I knew they were going to get a big turnaround due to the pandemic levels have due to that insult to injury to the stay and work at home hybrid workers any other Essentials people are just dropping by just to get their day-to-day stuff done but it doesn't really cure up business

[@travel9two557]

Just gotta learn to adapt with the times honestly. Survival of the fittest right

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I've never used a dry cleaner. Don't ever plan to, either. Also do not get manicures, pedicures or other 'first world' luxuries.

[@Douglas-up2vh]

Thank Barry Hussein behind the curtain

[@Joeelectronicschematicsforauto]

Why didn't you ask about some cleaners have Taylor's to do tailoring doesn't that help their business

[@joshuas4695]

A lot of people don't know that as soon as you leave the dry cleaners, your stuff gets thrown in a bag and sent to a larger "Wholesale" like dry cleaners. Like a 3rd party dry cleaners. I'm from the Tri state area and everybody wants to make something for nothing. Clean and iron your own crap and save money

[@CCS795]

Not true!

[@joshuas4695]

@@CCS795 Very Very True!

[@deborahd.7281]

What is "interior cleaning"?

[@smallmevt]

Furniture, pillows. maybe

[@frankcorrea9702]

Third world countries don't even have a washing machine! Mother's use arm wringers!

[@primeninja9]

They’re only good for tailoring now

[@larrycj4382]

Yes, many here do not know that most dry cleaners offer tailoring services. My local place just closed and I will be lost without them!

[@MrBrownnn696]

How sad

[@dd4850]

My whole life we’ve only been able to afford this once every few years for winter coats

[@vincentmontgomery9770]

You must be poor who doesn’t have 15 bucks to dry clean their heavy winter coat

[@onceagain6184]

Oh well

[@kevinarnold4811]

Never been to a dry cleaners and never cared about it

[@lourdesarlinmateo-casanova7745]

I don't see the big deal they can switch over into making upholstery and cleaning upholstery meaning cleaning couches using specialist machinery for you for cleaning furniture couches and stuff since they have like the they can probably bring the couches or the pieces of furniture in to clean up you can use the same materials to clean the couches or pieces of furniture

[@GrantDWilliams82]

Buggy whip makers whine about the internal combustion engine.

[@lourdesarlinmateo-casanova7745]

I'm thinking they used had drive through dry cleaners in Texas they still do that in 2001 when I stayed there for like 4 months on Sheppard Air Force Base with my exhusband they had drive through cleaners and I thought that was pretty cool They could probably get government grants and work with chefs and different types of jobs to be able to make up the difference instead of worrying so much not everyone is staying home they can use the same cleaning materials for work and homes there are jobs still needing cleaning services out there uniformed jobs I don't see the big deal they can switch over into making upholstery and cleaning upholstery meaning cleaning couches using specialist machinery for you for cleaning furniture couches and stuff since they have like the they can probably bring the couches or the pieces of furniture in to clean up you can use the same materials to clean the couches or pieces of furniture

[@aloistyler]

Americans simply don’t care about how they look anymore… it’s sad 🤷🏼‍♀️ most of my clothes are dry clean only so I’ll still be supporting my local mom and pop cleaner

[@cheekyfly89]

😥

[@oskarmalolepszy3348]

Dry cleaning proces is no wachter dry cleaning machines in solvents perchloroetilene and hydrocarbon machines

[@mdferdoush4473]

Love ❤❤👏👏👏

[@Saxxin1]

watching you people fight to the death over a slice of bread is on my bucket list.

[@jeremys6631]

Ikr, it's like buying a polish turd and expecting it to smell great. Y'all getting what you voted for 🤡

[@noellecms]

Coming to the theater near you if the theater is still open

[@valchung296]

The great fall....

[@lourdesarlinmateo-casanova7745]

I don't see the big deal they can switch over into making upholstery attivio upholstery meaning cleaning couches using specialist machinery for you for cleaning furniture couches and stuff since they have like the they can probably bring the couches or the pieces of furniture in to clean up

[@Militantreturns]

Smh

[@highlymedicated2438]

Funny thing is I bought a suit in 2020. Worst mistake I made in 2 years

[@Fienly0109]

Why would anybody want to babysits a piece of garment

[@gai_ninja]

Sell it on eBay!

[@WrongThink_]

all the hipsters started to wear wrinkle free chinos

[@michaelciccone2194]

Not interested in FANDUEL nor Hillsdale informercials! Please spare me the boredom.

[@pearliestribling5367]

Y’all prices are too high close down

[@august21xp]

I dry clean at home!

[@CCS795]

How?

[@gregoryczeczuga6436]

Times chance

[@victorcabreara2453]

I think cleaners are not for low class people 🤷

[@hatsunemikufan4]

That and people don't dress to impress much anymore.

[@sunnytheboxer.]

Boo hoo, business owners feeling the hit! Well that’s what you guys get for capitalizing off of us hard working Americans.

[@uncal-paulie]

Maybe because you charge to much I paid $25.00 to have a jacket cleaned, the jacket only cost me $40.00 ,but you can thank BRANDON AND THE REST OF CONGRESS FOR THAT 😪

[@williamwalker9442]

You yes have my shirt mr washy washy👕

[@chrisv.4071]

A

[@dfelixrx7]

Joe Bye 👋 Din

[@211inprogress]

Business is dry, pockets are dry... Bring back Donald trump. 💵 🇺🇲

[@tillyburton5402]

yeah, I need my shirt pressed. but no by it

[@heyheytaytay]

durrrrrrrrr

[@pancho_Nopalez]

Amen 🙏

[@shockcityrocker]

@UCgxwcHLcE8FuP3QnTr-FT4A The economy is burning & you’re doing a victory lap because our guys did the job they’re supposed to do, & then praise Brandon for it? Earth to Dave…..come in Dave…..😑

[@TucoJames]

Hope Trump wins in 2024, str8en the mess potato has made!!

[@shockcityrocker]

Crime is up, spending is down. That could be he Democrats campaign slogan.

[@laurencesmith2199]

Tried money laundering ?

[@nofg3159]

Stop blaming the pandemic

[@Frankieefootballmundial]

Are saying we have to stop making excuses

[@RFJersey]

Blame Democrats!

[@jgalvan09]

what did they do? did they give out stimulate checks that made inflation rise?

[@TucoJames]

@@jgalvan09 yes, if you worked you wouldve gotten one ..

[@uhurus2]

More bots in the comment section

[@peterwelby]

@@jgalvan09 locked down the economy, forced masks and vaxx cards. Destroyed people businesses.

[@louiedangelo3843]

just dont ask trump for business advice.