A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY TO 'CLEAN-UP WITH Lapels announces new owners and launches national franchise offering

Innovative dry cleaning company Lapels, with national headquarters in Hanover, Massachusetts, has announced the launch of a new franchise offering that will expand its footprint nationally and build upon the successful addition of several new area developers" (often referred to as master franchisees" in the franchise industry) with exclusive territories throughout New England.

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CONTACT: STEVE DUBIN, PR WORKS, (781) 878-9533, sdubin@prworkzone.com

A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY TO 'CLEAN-UP WITH
Lapels announces new owners and launches national franchise offering for its innovative 'retail store dry cleaning concept

DATELINE: HANOVER, MA, AUGUST 25, 2002...Innovative dry cleaning company Lapels, with national headquarters in Hanover, Massachusetts, has announced the launch of a new franchise offering that will expand its footprint nationally and build upon the successful addition of several new area developers" (often referred to as master franchisees" in the franchise industry) with exclusive territories throughout New England. Area development territories are now available in 39 states throughout the Continental U.S.

Lapels retail store" concept enables each location to offer a full slate of services that are sub-contracted to local vendors at pre-approved wholesale prices. These arrangements -- carefully screened and monitored by the area developer to ensure quality -- are seamless to customers and offer tremendous advantages to store owners. A true turn-key business, Lapels allows anyone to own their own store without the expense, expertise or risk of a traditional dry cleaning establishment.

New area developers who have entered into franchise agreements with Lapels are:

·   Michael Eisner, a resident of Duxbury, MA and a former sales executive for BOSE. The first Lapels franchise owner, his territory includes the South Shore of Massachusetts.

·   Mike Bolen, a resident of Centerville and a former EMC executive. His territory includes Plymouth, MA and the Cape Cod region.

·   Gary and Joanne Kearney, residents of Meredith, NH and former telcom (telephone communications) consultants. Their territory includes Southern New Hampshire and Essex County, MA.

·   Bob Sullivan, a resident of Roslindale, MA and a successful auto parts retailer. His territory includes Brockton, MA and the Lakeville/Halifax region of Massachusetts.

·   Kevin Flynn, a Norwell, MA resident and former Pepsi executive. His territory includes the South West region of Massachusetts.

As with any business, hard work is a key to success. But, with a Lapels franchise, our owners can balance that effort and energy with a desired quality of life," said Lapels CEO Lawrence Friedman. Our new area developers all come from very successful backgrounds and shared the common desire to leave the 'rat race behind and find a business model where the road to success, though challenging and rewarding, is by no means all-consuming."

THE LAPELS ADVANTAGE
Unlike competitors attempting to offer all services in-house, outsourcing enables Lapels store owners to provide the best possible service and quality without the financial burden, safety hazards and undesirable heat, noise and smell of on-premise machinery. Because all chemicals and equipment are off-site, each store offers employees and customers a safe, clean and comfortable environment.

A full slate of services are offered at each location, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown heirlooming; tuxedo rental; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage.

NOTHING 'CASUAL ABOUT THIS GROWING MARKET
Contrary to reports that casual dress" trends in the workplace and wrinkle-free" fabrics have eroded market share, the dry cleaning industry is an $8 billion a year business that is showing no slow-down in its growth. Todays fashions continue to be dominated by fabrics -- such as silk, cotton and wool -- that require professional cleaning. The rise of two-income families has also, in effect, doubled the potential pool of customers and spiked demand for dry-cleaning and related services.

Despite the recession-proof revenue potential of its business model, the total investment for a typical Lapels store is approximately $67,000, an affordable option made possible by removing the tremendous expense of in-store equipment. Aside from cost, additional benefits of being a Lapels franchise owner include exclusive territories, group purchasing power, job security and unlimited earning potential.

Lapels offers franchisees full training and support in every aspect of the business and a comprehensive start-up package that includes: a point-of sale computer system; an automatic clothing conveyer; a wedding gown program; retail products to sell; indoor and outdoor signage with all needed permits; a grand opening package and ribbon-cutting ceremony; advertising promotion to 10,000 homes; tuxedo rental packages and a complete bookkeeping system. Lapels also provides franchisees with custom web site w/email, on-going training and support, custom counters, start up supplies, and much more)

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels, call toll free (866) 695-2735. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the companys Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.