Dry Cleaners are Best Economic Indicator
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: December 21, 2010
MIDLAND -- If you want to see how the economy is doing, it might be worth your while to stop by your local dry cleaners.
That's what some experts believe is the best indication of economic health.
From what I noticed, it looks like the economy is getting better.
Dry Clean Super Center here in Midland told me that business is picking up, leaving last years recession behind.
Piles of clothes.
And colorful receipts stapled on them.
Business is looking up.
"It slowed down a bit but now its picking up some," said Don Gregory, owner of Dry Clean Super Center.
Picking up steam is exactly what Dry clean super center is doing.
despite reports from the national cleaners association saying the numbers of cleaners nationwide has dropped.
from 36,000.
"Dry cleaning is not cheap," said Mike Wooten.
Mike Wooten started dropping his clothes off again in the last 5 months.
"I can iron most of the clothes myself, I bring the ones I can't," said Wooten.
Everyone who's coming back has a reason.
Shery Stjohn she's back because her husband is back at work.
"I can see alot of imporvement, my husband is in the building business his job has really picked up," said Shery Stjohn.
Even with the increases, Gregory has noticed customers holding smaller piles.
"You can tell they have a lot less," said Gregory.
But with winter here, his irons are heating up.
"This time of year, everybody starts getting there sweaters out, it always picks up winter," said Gregory.
Making Gregory hopeful that next year will be even better.
"Hopefully it keeps picking up in the next two months, oil prices are good, as long as oil prices go up people go to work and than we wIll start seeing more business," said Gregory.
Gregory said business hasn't snapped back completely but they are seeing more customers.
Another positive note.
Even though business hasn't been what it used to be, Gregory hasn't had to lay off any of his employees.
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