Shipley's Garment Spa to Close After 124 Years
Jodi Schwan | 2 hours ago
After more than a century in business, Shipley's Garment Spa in downtown Sioux Falls will serve its final customers this month. The laundry and dry cleaning service at 225 W. 9th St. announced that October 22 will be its final day of production.
"This was not an easy decision, nor was it one made lightly or quickly," owners Gerry and Susie Wingler said in a statement. "After considerable thought and reflection, a number of factors coming together at the same time have brought us to this difficult crossroads. Significant health issues, economic headwinds, changes within our industry, and the critical shortage of employees, have all played a part in this tough decision."
Founded in 1902, Shipley's is among the oldest businesses in Sioux Falls. At the time, phone calls in Sioux Falls were made by dialing one number. Numbers one through three were City Hall, the police, and fire departments. Number four was Shipley's. In 1927, the business began delivering by horse and buggy. Three generations later, it’s still a family-owned business.
"Since Shipley’s was established in 1902, much has changed, but the commitment to caring for our customers and their garments has remained," the Winglers said. "We consider it an absolute blessing to have carried on this tradition and to have been part of the fabric of the Sioux Falls community for so long."
Items must be dropped off at Shipley's by October 22 at 9 a.m. to be cleaned prior to closing. The office will remain open for pickups and phone calls through November 6. Route services have ended immediately due to staffing shortages.
"Most of all, we simply want to say thank you, to every customer who has walked through our doors—whether for a few years, a few decades, or through multiple generations—thank you for your loyalty, your friendship, and the trust you have placed in Shipley’s," the Winglers said. "Your patronage is the reason this business has been able to serve our community for more than a century. As we close, we do so with tremendous gratitude for the customers, employees, relationships, and memories that have made Shipley’s Garment Spa what it is."