Where Did All the Prom Dresses Go? And Other Things You Need to Know to Survive!
The world is changing and the world of dry cleaning is no exception.
Fast fashion and online fashion rental services like Rent the Runway are siphoning off the big-ticket items, like prom dresses, that were seasonal piece up ticks.
Disruptors like Fly.com and Rinse.com are tapping into the consumer’s demand for total accessibility and the ultimate in service convenience.
Dry cleaners are worried about how the millennials’ ‘take’ on things will impact their future – is it a life style or a life stage?
On a practical level, what’s the best solvent to meet a dry cleaner’s needs and position him for a profitable future?
What opportunities do your computer systems offer that you don’t know about, but could help your business grow?
When you are planning for the future, you need to know what the future holds, and this year’s NCA Texcare Program is putting the future center stage by focusing on the answers and insights to the important issues facing dry cleaners today.
Friday Morning
On Friday morning, Lorynn Divita, PhD, author, fashion merchandising expert, textile specialist and futurist, will report on the state of the fashion industry, the trends that will comprise the wardrobe basics of millennials and others, the future of fast fashion (that’s the Forever 21, H & M and other inexpensive fashion sources), what garment manufacturers are eying for the future and what the next generation of consumers is looking for from service providers like dry cleaners. Dr. Divita spoke at NCA’s Brainstorming Conference earlier this year to rave reviews, and NCA is delighted that she’s coming to share her insights about both the threats and opportunities ahead for drycleaners like you.
Saturday Morning
On Saturday morning, Charles Ickes, Chief Logistics Officer for Rent the Runway, will share with you the inside story on this market disruptor and the impact it will have on both the dry cleaning and the retail fashion industry. If you are unfamiliar with the company, check them out at renttherunway.com. For the past 7+ years, the company has specialized in renting high end and party dresses to women nationwide. They recently diversified into career and casual wear offering women an unlimited wardrobe for just $139/month.
Mr. Ickes will share with you how he has positioned the company to handle the one million pieces they anticipate processing, and the vision the founders and investors have for the company. He will also share his own thoughts on how RTR will impact dry cleaners. This will also include a Question & Answer session.
Sunday Morning
Cleaners who use them and manufacturers who make them will share the stage in a panel discussion on the solvents they believe are the future of the industry. The dual roles of the presenters ensure that no question should go unanswered. This is the perfect opportunity for cleaners to get a side by side view of what their options are, and what they need to know to use each of them successfully.
All Weekend Long
In addition to other educational seminars, the Texcare Show floor will be filled with live demonstrations of equipment, new products and services available, suppliers you want to reconnect with, as well as new vendors for you to check out.
User group meetings are being planned by major computer system providers, solvent manufacturers and others.
This is one industry event you don’t want to miss. The Meadowlands Expo Center location is easily accessible (by car to the entire Northeast, as well as three major airports (JFK, LaGuardia and Newark), the educational program provides a fresh perspective and important information, the exhibitors are showing their most innovative products, equipment and services and the admission to the show floor is FREE. Mark Your Calendar for Friday, October 20th thru Sunday, October 22nd.
