Dry cleaning industry calling on government help as future remains uncertain
The dry cleaning industry is calling on the government for help as its future remains uncertain.
On Thursday, the Canadian Fabricare Association (CFA) said over 30 per cent of cleaners had vanished.
"The dry cleaning industry was designated as an essential service and received no financial help from either the provincial or federal government," wrote the CFA in a statement.
The Association is now calling on politicians to consider a tax credit to customers who use a commercial cleaner or launderer to help stimulate the economy.
"We're looking for that incentive from the government to help them out to help the cleaners out," said David Alonzi, a CFA board member and president of GreenClean.
Kim Sekleski-Polley has owned Cotty's Cleaners in Barrie for two decades.
Over that time, she has seen industry shifts but never to the extent during the pandemic.
"Business today is very different than pre-pandemic," said Sekleski-Polley.
Over the last two years, business has slowed due to the cancellation of large gatherings like weddings and funerals.
Now that the restrictions are gone, she says business isn't showing signs of bouncing back.
"We're going to be in trouble; not sure trouble, but we're going to become a niche, high-end market where people are going to come to us for very specific things," said Sekleski-Polley.
Evolving fashion is one reason for the shift in business.
According to industry experts at Georgian College and George Brown College, fashion has taken a more comfortable approach.
"A good friend of mine who owns a high-end fashion boutique in Toronto had to completely change her buying strategies during the pandemic, forgoing woven pieces for elevated knits that her clients could wear for their virtual meetings," said Joy Walker, a professor at George Brown College School of Fashion Studies.
Georgian College professor Angela Aujla has studied fashion and its trends for many years, and says clothing can bring a sense of security. With many people forced to work from home, fashion changed with it.
"We get a sense of comfort and security through the clothing that we choose," said Aujla.
"Even pre-pandemic, there was a move, especially in women's clothes, towards softer fabrics, more casual wear, with the burgeoning Athleisure market, but during the pandemic, loungewear or home wear definitely took off."
This shift means fewer garments requiring dry cleaning.
Although good news could be on the horizon for dry cleaners. Both Walker and Aujla believe this winter could see a resurgence in formal clothing due to a restriction-free holiday season, which could extend past Christmas.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.