A Regina business closure marks the end of an era as Bregg Cleaners & Tailors, believed to be Saskatchewan’s oldest continuously operated dry cleaner, shut its doors after approximately 90 years of service to the community. The iconic establishment near the intersection of Albert Street and Victoria Avenue in Regina’s downtown received its last orders on Monday, leaving generations of loyal customers to find new options for their dry cleaning and tailoring needs.
A Nine-Decade Legacy in Regina’s Downtown
The classic red signs hanging from the quaint, white storefront of Bregg Cleaners & Tailors have been a familiar sight for Regina residents for decades. According to manager Chris Thorsteinson, documents trace the establishment back to the 1930s, making it a remarkable survivor in an industry that has seen dramatic consolidation.
Thorsteinson’s father purchased the property in 1988, continuing a tradition of family ownership that defined the business’s character. Over the years, Bregg’s became known for a range of services including dry cleaning, wedding dress preservation, tailoring, and even fur storage.
The Regina business closure represents more than just another shop closing its doors. It symbolizes the changing relationship between consumers and their clothing, as well as the broader shifts in how people dress for work and special occasions.
Family Tradition and Community Connection
For Thorsteinson, Bregg Cleaners was more than a business—it was a second home where three generations of his family worked together. He began working behind the counter at just 11 years old, alongside his grandparents, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
“It was kind of like another sense of community having the family there too. You’d come to work and grandma would be making lunch and then we’d sit down and have lunch and I enjoyed it.”
These fond recollections of watching his grandmother prepare lunch in the shop speak to the family-centered nature of many small businesses that have anchored Canadian communities for generations. The warmth and personal touch that characterized Bregg’s service became increasingly rare in an era of quick transactions and anonymous commerce.
When asked about what he would miss most, Thorsteinson pointed to the generations of customers and the laughter shared with colleagues over the years. The relationships built over decades cannot be easily replicated or transferred to another establishment.
The Decline of Dry Cleaning in Saskatchewan
The Regina business closure reflects a broader trend affecting the dry cleaning industry across the province and the country. Thorsteinson painted a stark picture of how dramatically the landscape has changed during his time in the business.
“I mean, there used to be well over 20 cleaners in Regina when I started working here and now I think we’re down to four or five, so I think that says it all.”
This dramatic reduction from over 20 dry cleaners to approximately four or five establishments illustrates the profound challenges facing traditional service businesses. The numbers speak to fundamental changes in consumer behavior and priorities that accelerated significantly in recent years.
According to Thorsteinson, people simply aren’t spending money on caring for their clothing like they did in previous decades. The shift toward more casual dress codes in many workplaces, combined with the availability of wash-and-wear fabrics, has reduced demand for professional cleaning services.
How COVID-19 Changed Everything
While the dry cleaning industry had been facing challenges for years, the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a turning point that accelerated the decline. Thorsteinson acknowledged that since the pandemic, things simply haven’t been the same for businesses like Bregg’s.
The widespread adoption of remote work meant fewer people needed professional attire cleaned regularly. Formal events were cancelled or scaled back, reducing demand for services like wedding dress preservation. The economic uncertainty also made consumers more cautious about discretionary spending on clothing care.
For the Latin community in Canada, which often values formal dress for cultural celebrations, religious events, and family gatherings, the closure of establishments like Bregg’s means fewer options for maintaining special garments. Finding quality tailoring and preservation services may require more research and potentially longer travel to remaining providers.
The Simple Secret to 90 Years of Success
Despite the challenges that ultimately led to the Regina business closure, Thorsteinson’s reflection on what kept customers returning for 90 years offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners in any industry.
“I think it was just our quality of work. We tried to put out a good product for a decent price. We always tried to get everything done on time, and it wasn’t really any rocket science, I don’t think. It was just hard work and treating people properly.”
This humble assessment emphasizes fundamental business principles: quality, fair pricing, reliability, and respect for customers. In an age of complex marketing strategies and digital transformation, Thorsteinson’s words remind us that basic values remain the foundation of customer loyalty.
The Saskatchewan business community loses an institution that embodied these principles for nearly a century. For newcomers to Canada, including members of the Latin community, the story of Bregg Cleaners offers insights into the traditions and values that have shaped Canadian small business culture.
What This Means for Regina Residents
With the closure of Bregg Cleaners & Tailors, Regina residents now have fewer options for professional garment care. The remaining four or five dry cleaning establishments in the city will need to absorb the demand from Bregg’s former customers.
For those with special items requiring care, such as wedding dresses, formal wear, or delicate fabrics, it may be worth researching the remaining providers to ensure they offer the specific services needed. Building a relationship with a new cleaner early can help ensure availability during peak seasons like wedding season or holiday periods.
The tailoring services that Bregg’s provided will also need to be sourced elsewhere. Quality alterations and custom work require skilled craftspeople, and finding a reliable tailor remains important for maintaining professional wardrobes and extending the life of quality garments.
Community members who valued Bregg’s fur storage services should arrange alternative storage solutions, particularly as seasonal changes require proper care for these specialized items.
What services did Bregg Cleaners & Tailors offer?
Bregg Cleaners & Tailors provided dry cleaning, wedding dress preservation, tailoring services, and fur storage to Regina residents for approximately 90 years.
Why did Bregg Cleaners close after 90 years?
According to manager Chris Thorsteinson, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the business, and consumer spending on clothing care has declined substantially. The number of dry cleaners in Regina dropped from over 20 to approximately four or five.
How many dry cleaners remain in Regina?
According to Thorsteinson, Regina now has approximately four or five dry cleaning establishments remaining, down from well over 20 when he started working in the industry.
When did Bregg Cleaners receive its last orders?
Bregg Cleaners & Tailors received its last orders on Monday, marking the end of operations for the historic Regina business.
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