Allen County Cleaners owner and operator Lori Stottlemire is closing up shop after four years in business.
Friday was Stottlemire’s last cleaning day. Monday through Wednesday she will be at the cleaners from 7 a.m. to noon calling customers to have them pick up their garments.
“Even if I have to deliver the clothes myself I will, because I don’t want anything left behind when I leave,” Stottlemire said.
Shutting down was not a decision that came easily. She vacillated with the idea for two years, but could never bring herself to do it.
“Circumstances in my life changed in the last year and a change of employment was necessary,” Stottlemire said.
Future plans for the soon-to-be vacant building are still unknown.
Stottlemire expects “someone will be taking over but I don’t know who or when.
Business has been profitable, she said, but not easy, because dry cleaning is such a specialized field.
“You have to know what to do with every piece of garment that comes through that door.”
Stottlemire worked with her mother, Ann Clark, and Shirley Evans, the evening clerk. Stottlemire and her mother plan to travel for about a month before seeking employment. Evans works full time at Gates Corporation.
Stottlemire is unsure where she’ll look for a job. She has experience in real estate and business ownership.
She said she remains appreciative of her customers and staff.
“It has been an emotional week to have to tell people I won’t be here anymore and seeing their disappointed faces,” she said.
Customers will now have to find alternate options for dry cleaning. Those unable to clean their own clothes can take their garments to Bennett Coin Laundry, where Susie and Margaret Bennett wash and iron clothes.
“We don’t do dry cleaning so I don’t foretell any [more business],” Susie Bennett said. “If anything we might get more quilts in.”
