"As manager of the business for over a decade, Vanessa Johnson told Lookout she's heartbroken about the bankruptcy and loss of her family's business, with its primary location at 285 Water St., across from the Santa Cruz County Superior Courthouse. The store has a large sign with black lettering that reads "VAPOR." The word "classic" is smaller and in red lettering."
"Johnson, 45, who has worked for the business owned by her mother, Pamela Whittington, for about 15 years, says she'll miss the customers the most. "Customers were the best part. Definitely," she said. "They'd bring you gifts. They know you're stuck here, so they'll bring you coffee. You see their kids grow up. They see your kids grow up." On Friday, Johnson and her mom informed their 15 employees that the business would be filing for bankruptcy,"
Classic Vapor Dry Cleaners in Santa Cruz closed after 114 years and filed for bankruptcy following years of financial strain tied to pandemic impacts. Demand declined as remote work and a shift toward casual attire reduced need for professional garment cleaning. The family-run business operated at 285 Water St.; manager Vanessa Johnson, who worked there about 15 years, expressed heartbreak and said customers and community ties will be missed. Fifteen employees were notified of the bankruptcy and the store's final day, and customers received a mass message thanking them for their support.
Read at Lookout Santa Cruz
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