Q ')qw«r T1rT *\ C ' w -q içv r.Tn PAGE 8, WjýWFIýU RWDUjESDAY, AUGUST 2,1989 whitb buinss Sketchley's secret to success Franchising, and offering cus- tomers the service they expect, has been Rob Myhill's "secret for success." Myhill is president and chief executive otticer of Sketchley Cleaners. There are two Sketchley Cleaners in Whitby, one in the Thickson-Dundas area, the other in the Kendalwood Shopping Centre. There is also a possibility of a third store opening in Whitby in the future. "The dry cleaning business had become just plain and drab,» said Myhill of the launch 6f his busi- ness. "Consumers generally had a negative view of dry cleaning stores as stark and dingy places that were as much fun to visit as a warehouse." With that thought in mind, Myhill purchased the Canadian operations of Sketchley Cleaners in 1987. He began offering franchises, because he says they make people want to succeed, and he ired people who could offer the proper customer service people expect. Cleaning is done at a central- ized location where, according to Myhill, quality control is vital. 'Most of our stores are only retail. We can have more management at the centralized site," said Myhill. His first step after purchasing Sketchley was to choose a com- pany symbol. The penguin was. chosen because of its universai poyu- larity and "classy tuxedo look. The three penguins reflect the cleaning Sketchley offersevery- day clothing, better outfits and special occasion suits and dresses. Myhill's efforts seem to have paid off. Annual sales from Sketchley's 128 stores in 1986 was just under $20-million. In 1989 sales are expected to exceed $30-mil- lion with 175 stores. Start-up costs for a Sketchely franchise range from $55,000 to $60,000. Franchisees pay a royalty of five per cent of gross sales and contribute three per cent of sales to a national adver- tising fund. Royal Bank opens in West Lynde A double ceremony was held in Whitby last week with the open- ing of the Royal Bank at West Lynde Plaza and the installa- taion of the bank's 2,000th, per- sonal touch banking machine. "This is the banking of the future, sit-down and machines," said Ken Smee, senior vice-pre- sident of retail banking. Smee said the branch was opened because of the "tremendous rowth opportunity in Durham. e have to be a part of it.» Gord Feeney, executive vice president of operations and ser- vice, noted that the Royal will have 3,000 machines in Canada by the end of 1990. "The Royal Bank has the 10th highest number of machines in the world. Seventy per cent of our transactions are done through machines," said Feeney. "In today's demanding climate, customers have many diverse financial needs," said bank manager Fran Demerino. "Our goal is to combine the best in technology with the best in personal service to ensure the total banking needs of our custo- meis are met." The opening was also attended by mayor Bob Attersley, Durham Center MPP Allan Furlong and Durham Region chairman Gary Herrema. Attersley told the crowd that gathered that the financial insti- tutions have to keep up with Whitby's growth. DAVID SEEBACH, director of franchising for Yogurty's Yogurt Discovery. y ogurt, s dis covery With a trend by Canadian con- sumers towards a healthier lifestyle, businesses that can offer a healthy treat with a great taste should be able to compte in a heavily competitive market- place. That is the philosophy behind Yogurty's Yogurt Discovery, a store that offers yogurt ice cream that has half the calories of premium ice cream. Yogurty's opened a store at the Thickson Place plaza in May this year. According to David Seebach, director of» franchising ana administration, the stores here initially expected to attract the 18- to 45-year-old yuppie. "But the younger kids and seniors who are aware of the health aspect are coming into the stores," said Seebach. He opened the first store at Yonge and Eglington in Febru- ary, 1988. Today there are 30 stores across Canada, with nine more to come on stream this year. Besides the halth aspect, See- bach said people are attracted to the yogurt ice cream because of the taste and endless flavors and toppings. Yogurty'soffers 40 different flavors which are rotated through the store six at a time. There are also 40 different toppings whièh range from heal- thy items - fresh fruit or nuts - to toppings anyone would énjoy - Reese's Pieces, licorice or cookies. Yogurty's also offers shirts and capssporting the Yogurty character. Start-up costs for a single store include apprôximately$ 140,000 for equipment, leasahold im- rovements and signage, a 25,000 franchise fee and a recommended $10,000 in work- in capital. pogurty's Canadiancoporate parent is Silcorj, Ltd. -whicb operates 890 Mac s Convenience .stores- and 200 Baskin-Robbins stores. » ! LESS ENERGY IS I CONSUMED I j MANUFACTURING i NEW PAPER FROM . WASTE PAPER THAN FROM TREES. .. . .. . IRýo e- e '4 HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BATHROOM INVESTMENT Increasingly we're hearing from people who are concerned about the damage that powdered abrasive cleansers can do to their expensive sinks, tubs and fixtures. KLING non-abrasive lotion cleanser is the best product we've seen for general bathroom clean-up. The thick lotion clings to vertical surfaces and soap scum la literally removed with a soft wipe of a cloth. Fixtures are left sparkling like new. The entire washroom smeils clean and fresh. For mildew buildups in showers or rust stains on tubs we recommend Butcher's PEARLY Tile and Porcelain Cleaner. This easy to use spray and wipe product cleans like magic yet contains no abrasives, no acids~and no caustics. At Swish we guarantee everything we seil. If the product doesn't perform to your satisfaction, bring back the unused portion - we'll give you your money back. MAINTENANCE LTD. 500 HOPKINS ST., WHITBY 666-1224 rw vý a ývý a a