In 1974, 24-year-old Vincent Musarra bought out his father to become the owner of their family dry-cleaning business. As time went on and Vincent’s reputation grew, individuals and companies began coming to him requesting larger scale pressing and steaming jobs.
The company’s entrée into the garment industry began with a 500 piece silk blouse order from a manufacturer who was using unsophisticated overseas factories that were unable to ship hanging goods; the blouses were received in cartons and needed to be steamed. Vincent, eager to take on a challenge, got some workers together, started steaming, and worked all through the night. The manufacturer, very pleased with the quality of work and fast turnaround time, gave Vincent another job. The business began to grow exponentially and the company that is today The Apparel Group was born. In the ’80s Vincent began working with one of the few mail order companies at that time, handling all returns for pressing, steaming, repackaging, etc. An entrepreneur from the start, this was only the beginning of what was to become The Apparel Group.
Through the years, the company would need progressively larger spaces to accommodate the volume of work. By 1993 the small town dry cleaning shop was no longer big enough and The Apparel Group opened in a 40,000 square foot facility in Passaic, New Jersey. Within about two years the amount of business coming in exceeded the amount of space yet again, and another 25,000 square feet was added next door. By 1997 The Apparel Group prepared for another big move, purchasing a 122,000 square foot building in Haledon, New Jersey and developing the perfect flow throughout that is in use today. From one tiny dry cleaner, The Apparel Group has grown into a top problem-solving facility for the fashion and apparel industry. It offers an extensive range of services and always an unparalleled commitment to fixing your merchandise.
