Connecticut Retail Network Names BEST Cleaners as 2025 Retailer of the Year

The Connecticut Retail Network has selected BEST Cleaners as the 2025 Retailer of the Year, recognizing the company's outstanding customer service and its commitment to community engagement as well as contributions to the state's retail sector.

The award will be presented at the Connecticut Retail Network’s BIG Event, an annual gathering of retail business leaders from across the state, scheduled for Thursday morning, October 30, at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford.

"BEST Cleaners exemplifies the spirit of innovation and customer-focused service that drives Connecticut's retail sector," said Tim Phelan, President of the Connecticut Retail Network. "Their consistent commitment to quality, innovation and customer service has set a high standard in the industry."

Shawn McCann, President of BEST Cleaners, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Best, to us, means 100% service to our customers. And 100% support for our employees. We’ve been doing both for more than 70 years We are truly honored to receive this recognition from the Connecticut Retail Network. This award is not just a reflection of our work, but a celebration of everyone who has been part of our three-generation journey. We remain committed to our customers, and providing the best there is.”

With locations in 13 communities across Connecticut, BEST uses GreenEarth, a natural drycleaning method that’s free of harsh chemicals. It is the most environmentally friendly cleaning solution available. Silica, the same element found in ordinary beach sand, is the main ingredient, leaving fabrics softer and colors vibrant longer with no chemical odor. GreenEarth brings out the vibrancy in colors, while leaving fabrics feeling softer.

This is an example of the innovation and dedication to customers that has solidified BEST Cleaners reputation as a leading corporate citizen in Connecticut. In addition, BEST Cleaners provides tailoring services, free home delivery, free cleaning of military uniforms, same-day service, and specialized cleaning of wedding gowns.

"The retail landscape continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses," Phelan added. "BEST Cleaners, through the decades and in recent years, has consistently lived up to their name and excelled, making them a superb choice for this year's award."

BEST Cleaners was founded in 1954 by William J. McCann, Jr., who purchased Wolf’s Drycleaners in Middletown. With more than 10 years in the drycleaning business, he was ready for a fresh challenge. He began by holding a contest for a new business name. A child came up with “Best,” and the name stuck. He was rewarded with a new bicycle, and began the process of living up to a great name.

Since then, under the leadership of second generation owners Bill and Sue McCann, and now third generation President Shawn McCann, BEST has expanded to more than a dozen locations and a home delivery service with more convenient hours and distinctive offerings like same-day service and the environmentally-friendly GreenEarth cleaning method.

BEST Cleaners now has a total of 14 Connecticut locations, in Berlin, Bristol, Canton, Glastonbury, Marlborough, Middletown (with two locations), North Haven, Old Lyme, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, West Hartford and Windsor.

Giving their customers the BEST service has meant “hiring the best people in the business” - and then helping them get ahead, with training classes, funds for educational seminars, and even an occasional assist with college expenses.

In Connecticut, retail businesses support over 470,000 jobs annually and contribute approximately $34.2 billion to the state's GDP. The industry continues to play a vital role in Connecticut's economic landscape and community development.

More than 98 percent of all retail companies in Connecticut employ fewer than 50 people, providing a wide array of fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities across the state.

For more information about the BIG Event or to register, visit www.ctretailnetwork.com or call 860-527-1044.

About Connecticut Retail Network: The Connecticut Retail Network – known as the Voice of Retail – is a trade association whose mission is to represent the interests of retailers and serve as a vital link between those retailers and state and government agencies. The association’s members include local retail stores throughout the state, including some of the world's largest retailers as well as the state's Main Street businesses. To learn more about the Connecticut Retail Network, visit www.ctretailnetwork.com.