Switzerland-based 5aSec, the industry leader in textile care solution (commonly known as dry cleaning), has entered India with its maiden outlet in Mumbai. The outlet at Juhu is spread over an area of 750 sq.ft and guarantees delivery within 24 hours.
“Indians are buying more and more expensive brands today and would want to take care of what they buy. That’s what 5aSec’s international expertise brings in,” says Suresh Bhatia, MD, SB Fabcare Pvt Ltd, the master franchisee of 5aSec in India.
The Juhu outlet is equipped with a state-of-the-art conveyor belt that, upon scanning the delivery receipt, brings the right garment to the counter. In addition to basic services such as dry cleaning, 5aSec will also do carpet and leather cleaning, water proofing, mite and moth repellant treatment and a trademark treatment, ‘maxima’, which is a low-intensity cleaning cycle designed by 5aSec to provide care for the most valuable garments and fabrics.
With all white interiors, 5aSec promises to maintain a high degree of hygiene. The solvents used for cleaning have been patented by 5aSec and are environment friendly. The machines, bags and hangers have been imported. “The staff were trained for a month in Europe in the intricacies of customer service and dry cleaning,” says Harish Bhatia, director and country head, SB Fabcare.
The company plans to open more stores by 2011 in key locations of Bandra, Powai, Lower Parel and Colaba. A total of 25 stores are earmarked to be operational by 2015. The plan includes the launch of satellite stores at strategic locations as pick up points.
5aSec, the world leader in dry cleaning, has 7,000 employees across four continents and 1,800 shops. The brand has footprints in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Middle East.
– Nivedita Jayaram Pawar
