Lapels is a dry cleaning franchise offering environmentally friendly dry cleaning services, focusing on high-quality cleaning and exceptional customer service.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
83
+
2%
2%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000 - $50,000
Investment
?
$42,000 - $730,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$361,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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LapelsCleaners, founded in 2000, has carved out a distinctive position in the dry cleaning sector with its dedication to green practices and top-quality garment care. Originally launched in Hanover, Massachusetts, the brand now operates from its headquarters in Naples, Florida, with Kevin DuBois serving as CEO.
Since opening its doors to franchising in 2001, Lapels has grown to 83 locations nationwide. The company provides a wide array of services, including dry cleaning, laundry, tailoring, alterations, and specialized garment treatment.
What differentiates Lapels in the marketplace is its 100% non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning method, delivering both effective and gentle garment care. The franchise also offers several business models — from full-service plants and satellite stores to pickup and delivery services and laundromats — giving franchisees the flexibility to choose a setup that best fits their market and business goals.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Lapels franchise is
$42,000 - $730,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Lapels offers 3 types of franchises:
Lapels® Business Model
Initial Investment Range
Lapels® Plant
$391,281 – $730,122
Lapels® Satellite Store
$91,752 – $211,212
Lapels® Pick Up and Delivery Model
$41,500 – $73,200
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Lapels® Plant franchise. For more information on costs required to start a Lapels franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Initial Training and Site Support Fee
$7,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training
$250 – $2,000
Real Estate and Prepaid Rent, Security, and Utility Deposits
$0 – $15,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 – $160,000
Start-Up Supplies and Equipment Package
$293,851 – $329,062
Green Earth Solvent Licensing Fee
$2,500
Signage and Permits
$8,000 – $12,000
Grand Opening and First Year Marketing Fee
$8,900
Insurance
$480 – $960
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$300 – $2,700
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$20,000 – $140,000
TOTAL
$391,281 – $730,122
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Lapels offers 3 types of franchises:
Lapels® Business Model
Initial Investment Range
Lapels® Plant
$391,281 – $730,122
Lapels® Satellite Store
$91,752 – $211,212
Lapels® Pick Up and Delivery Model
$41,500 – $73,200
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Lapels® Plant franchise. For more information on costs required to start a Lapels franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Initial Training and Site Support Fee
$7,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training
$250 – $2,000
Real Estate and Prepaid Rent, Security, and Utility Deposits
$0 – $15,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 – $160,000
Start-Up Supplies and Equipment Package
$293,851 – $329,062
Green Earth Solvent Licensing Fee
$2,500
Signage and Permits
$8,000 – $12,000
Grand Opening and First Year Marketing Fee
$8,900
Insurance
$480 – $960
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$300 – $2,700
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$20,000 – $140,000
TOTAL
$391,281 – $730,122
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Lapels's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Lapels had 83 total units in 2024, of which 83 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Lapels® provides a comprehensive training program for franchisees, covering multiple phases to ensure they are well-prepared to operate their business. Here’s a numbered summary of the training programs offered:
Initial Training and Site Support Before the franchise begins operations, Lapels® provides training for the owner (or managing partner/shareholder) and one additional employee. This includes classroom instruction using a proprietary Operations Manual, as well as about one to three days of onsite commencement assistance. Training is provided either at a Lapels® operating location or the company’s headquarters, covering topics such as site location, lease review, wholesaler support, and store build-out.
Location-Based Training Training is conducted at the company offices in Hanover, Massachusetts, and training facilities in Waltham, West Roxbury, Wellesley (MA), Fort Mill (SC), and Gilbert (AZ). Franchisees are responsible for their own travel and living expenses, and they must complete the program to Lapels®’ satisfaction before opening the business.
Refresher Training Lapels® may require periodic refresher training for franchise owners, managers, or experienced employees to maintain operational standards. There may be reasonable fees charged for these courses.
Territory Protection
Lapels® offers franchisees a defined territory, which is typically centered around the store location and may extend up to three miles in less populated areas or one city block in urban zones. While Lapels® commits not to grant new franchises or open company-owned stores within this defined territory during the term of the franchise agreement, this protection is conditional on the franchisee remaining in compliance.
The size and boundaries of the territory are determined at Lapels®’ discretion, considering factors like population density, neighborhood character, and competition. However, Lapels® makes it clear that franchisees do not receive an exclusive territory.
Franchisees may face competition from other Lapels® franchisees, company-owned outlets, and even alternative distribution channels such as online sales or catalog marketing. Additionally, Lapels® retains the right to operate at non-traditional sites and serve national or institutional accounts both inside and outside the defined territory.
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