This year's National Drycleaning Fortnight is planned to take place between September 15 and 29. As announced at the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers conference in April, sponsorship for the initiative will provide funding for, among other things, national marketing and campaign posters.
As LCN went to press just over six weeks before the event, Ian Goldstein of Voucher Systems, last year's main sponsor, said there were more than two sponsors on board and he was confident the National Drycleaning Fortnight would take place.
"I'm trying to put something back into the industry," he said, adding "we need others to do the same." The aim is for every UK drycleaner to have the opportunity to participate at little or no cost.
A spokesman for Voucher Systems said: "All UK drycleaners are invited to take part in a coordinated marketing and promotion effort to generate more business." The intention is to do this "by creating greater public and corporate awareness of the wide range of services offered for garment care, repair and soft furnishings cleaning".
During the equivalent fortnight last year, drycleaners used a number of marketing ideas, which are being put forward to help those participating in this year's event.
In addition to displaying posters, drycleaners are being encouraged to use loyalty cards, direct mail and offer special discounts. Also, charity donations days proved to be successful promotional tools in helping drycleaners gain extra local business.
The campaign is supported by the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers, which is offering its members advice and ideas on business promotions, the Textile Services Association and Voucher Systems, which provides corporate aftercare.
Drycleaners wanting National Drycleaning Fortnight posters should call Voucher Systems on 0845 601 6020.
