Despite challenging economic conditions that have stung other dry cleaning businesses, Oriental Cleaners is celebrating 50 years of service -- a milestone its owner is praising long-time staff and customers for reaching.  Owner of the dry cleaning chain Lana Brogdon told Guardian Business that the 50 years of operation in The Bahamas were filled with many ups and downs, but the hard work and dedication put into making Oriental Cleaners a household name was well worth it.

"It hasn't been easy," Brogdon said.  "We've managed to go through this recession without laying off any of our staff.  We had to do certain changes in benefits, however, we managed to keep all of our staff which was important.  "We have incredible loyalty, wonderful employees.  Even though the sales are not there we're keeping everything in place for when the economy does turn around."

What started out in 1961 as a small family business, cleaning articles of clothing in wine barrels has evolved into 10 locations spanning across New Providence.  Brogdon admitted that business hasn't been as fruitful as years past due to the economic climate, but has weathered the storm despite business taking traveling down a rough road.

"There have been some dry cleaners that have closed in The Bahamas and even in the U.S. there are dry cleaners that are closing left and right," she said.  "So we have to count our blessings that we've been able to meet the basic requirements of keeping a business open even though you may not be showing positive sales and bottom line."

Last year, Jiffy Cleaners closed its doors for business after 40 years of operation in The Bahamas, with up to 30 jobs lost during the process.  Its central location on Blue Hill Road was largely afflicted by the re-routing of traffic in that area, triggering the closure of its three other locations.

Brogdon, a third generation owner of the chain, is grateful for being able to remain afloat during the tough times and still be a household name among Bahamians.  "Dry cleaning is an item you can do without...it's more of a luxury," she said.  "We've definitely seen some decline in sales over the past few years and I think our committent to ensure that our quality hasn't suffered and that our staff are taken care of shows and customers know that we've been around for 50 years and we have the most experience of any dry cleaner in the country. We're happy to reach this milestone and hope to celebrate another 50 years."

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