CROMWELL - Bernie Von Hone and Shanna Michitsch of Lapels Dry Cleaning truly strive to to make Lapels Dry Cleaning in Cromwell, �"your neighborhood dry cleaner.”

       â€�"You’re not a number here, you’re a name,” said Von Hone, adding he’s been on a first name-basis with nearly all of his customers since he opened Lapels on Kirby Road, right off Route 372 in the Dunkin’ Donuts plaza across from Baci Grill, in April of 2011. â€�"Our customers come in, get a taste of the great service and come back. We bend over backwards for our customers.”

       The pride Von Hone and Michitsch have taken in their customer service has seen Lapels’ customer base increase 25 percent in the last year alone.

       The Lapels commitment also extends to community service.

       â€�"One of our founding principles is our involvement,” said Von Hone. â€�"Our National Big Brother, Big Sister Clothing Drive has made us the largerst single donor of cloth in the country.”

       Lapels is a one-stop shop for all garment care needs, offering dry cleaning, expert shirt laundry, repairs, suede and leather cleaning, UGG boot cleaning, rug and curtain cleaning and garment storage. VIP Express Service is available, free to all customers, and clothing can be dropped off without waiting in the express drop box 24 hours a day.

       The store is open seven days a week, including 12-3 p.m. on Sundays, and dry cleaning orders are typically ready within one day.

       Lapels also offers automatic rewards points to earn free dry cleaning, a customer loyalty program card, Refer-A-Friend rewards and a monthly email newsletter with coupons and seasonal clothing care tips. Monthly specials are regularly updated at www.mylapels.com .

       But aside from the savings, the real appeal of Lapels is the trustworthy care and the friendly atmosphere. A â€�"boutique-style” store, Lapels has a homey feel, with comfortable chairs, relaxing music and classic decor, rather than an industrial look. And you’ll never find that musty clothing smell at Lapels.

       Lapels Dry Cleaning, conveniently located near Berlin and Middletown’s Westlake section, One Kirby Rd., Suite C, Cromwell, can be reached at 860-635-5100 or lapelscromwell@gmail.com . For more information or to sign up for the Lapels newsletter, visit www.mylapels.com or visit www.mylapels.com .