Transplants to Texas from Brand’s Home Base of Maryland, New Franchisees Abisoye “Abi” Ajibade and Mikhel Adun Look to Answer Demand for Convenient, Low-Cost Garment Care
ZIPS Cleaners announced today that Abisoye “Abi” Ajibade and Mikhel Adun have signed a development agreement to open five locations in southwestern Houston and its surrounding suburbs. Operating as Garment Care Partners LLC, the husband-and-wife team plans to bring the convenient, low-cost garment care franchise as well as its high-end, high-touch sibling, Mulberrys Garment Care, to the area beginning later this year and to have all five locations open within three years. They are currently reviewing space throughout the territory where they will look to install a full-service ZIPS Cleaners processing site, staffed and 24/7 automated ZIPS Cleaners drop off/pick up sites, and the upscale Mulberrys offering.
Both Ajibade and Adun bring histories of business leadership to their new venture. Adun, who holds a Master of Science degree in Finance and Financial Management from University of Maryland Global Campus, is CEO and owner of Houston Technology Labs, a Houston-based digital business transformation consultancy that leverages technology to help organizations modernize, unlock value and elevate their customer experience. His background includes roles in cloud computing architecture with Red Hat, PTG America and IBM. Ajibade, who earned her MBA from the Devry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, serves as Houston Technology Labs’ Director of Product Management and Agile Transformation and has held prior roles in product development and program management.
The former Marylanders were ZIPS customers prior to moving to Texas and saw an opportunity to bring the popular garment care brand to their new home.
“ZIPS is a versatile brand that trades in time, a precious commodity,” said Adun. “The convenience, speed and dependability it delivers lets customers tend to more important or more enjoyable things than caring for their clothes. We enjoyed that benefit as ZIPS customers in Maryland, and we want to afford that same luxury to our new neighbors here. We are excited to open in Houston and confident our new stores will be very well-received.”
“With Mulberrys, we also have the ability to offer a more upscale service to areas populated by higher-income families willing to pay more for a premium experience,” added Ajibade. “This gives us the flexibility to match our offering to the demands of individual communities.”
Through its introduction to Houston, ZIPS Cleaners continues its growth beyond its Mid-Atlantic U.S. base and adds to its presence in the Lone Star State, which is already home to five franchise locations in Austin. The 70-unit company is currently seeking franchisees to open ZIPS Cleaners locations in Dallas, other major Texas cities and markets throughout the United States. Through its parent, Value Drycleaners of America (VDA), franchise opportunities with Mulberrys Garment Care are also available throughout Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to have two individuals with so much business acumen and brand passion sign on to bring ZIPS Cleaners to Houston,” said Michael Waintraub, Director of Business Development for the ZIPS and Mulberrys brands. “Abi and Mikhel understand what’s involved in building a business and keeping it running smoothly. That knowledge will be equally valuable to them as they start establishing their presence in Houston, and to our overall system as they lend their insights to our franchise community. We look forward to celebrating with them as they open their first and future locations.”
The ZIPS Cleaners franchise opportunity offers aspiring business owners the opportunity to capitalize on demand for garment care by providing six popular services under one roof: same-day service and a single low price to dry clean any item, Wash N Fold laundry, pressed laundry, alterations, cleaning of comforters and other household goods, and commercial services for local businesses and organizations. Franchisees gain access to a wealth of industry knowledge, the economies of volume purchasing, a network of colleagues similarly focused on success, extensive marketing support at the local and system level, regularly expanded and enhanced training and operational models, and the expertise and assistance of a seasoned and robust corporate team. For more information on franchise benefits or to review available franchise opportunities, visit https://321zips.com/own-a-zips/.
About ZIPS Cleaners®
ZIPS Cleaners® provides consumer and commercial garment care centered around low-cost, in-by-9-out-by-5 dry cleaning as well as Wash N Fold laundry, pressed laundry, alterations and cleaning of linens, comforters and other household items. ZIPS Cleaners was launched in the early 2000s when eight of the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area’s premier dry cleaners banded together as a unified brand offering same-day service at a single low price. With more than 100+ years of dry-cleaning experience and business expertise, these founders created a streamlined process designed for easy replication by industry veterans and newcomers alike. Today, there are more than 70 ZIPS Cleaners locations throughout the United States, with more than 100 slated to open in the next several years. Franchise opportunities with ZIPS are available in select markets throughout the United States. For more information, contact Director of Business Development Mike Waintraub at [email protected] or (609) 468-7195, or visit https://321zips.com/own-a-zips/.