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Zoots Dry Cleaning closes suddenly after filing for bankruptcy

Customers were left out to dry after learning Zoots Dry Cleaning suddenly shut down.

The Brockton-based company filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy this week in Boston, closing all of its 18 locations.

Customers told Boston 25 News they learned about the closing Friday evening via email and getting in touch with someone at the company has been unsuccessful.

"I just came to get my clothes and everything is locked and closed," said Bill.

The email said in part:

"Please be patient as plans are being made to get your garments back to you. You will get further information via email and notices posted at our stores."

This isn't the first time Zoots has faced financial issues.

The company was founded by a former executive of Staples who hoped to make it a national chain with an innovative approach; 24-hour access to both pick-up and drop-off in lockers.

But in 2008, the company was forced to scale back to New England locations.

"I got an email tonight when I got home from work that they declared bankruptcy and closed all their stores so I immediately came down to see if I could get my clothes," said Jennifer. "Luckily, I'm an express customer so I have access to a locker 24 hours a day."

She was able to grab her clothes, but others are waiting.

"It’s probably a half a dozen shirts so I wonder what they’re going to do, it would have been nice to get my clothes back one day," said Bill.

Boston 25 News tried several avenues to reach the company; their phones no longer allow messages, and emails and messages on social media have not been returned.

Boston 25 News has obtained the Zoots bankruptcy filing documents: