Fresh Press: The Evolution of Quintex Through Marketing

From our early days of dyeing clothing and sheets introducing drive-in dry cleaning, and making a shift from serving households to serving businesses, Quintex has gone through various developments to keep up with the changing business landscape. This progression is notable in our archives of past marketing material, offering a glimpse of changing trends and the varying milestones that helped shaped the Quintex we know today.

The Classics: Marketing Before Digital Media

Before the introduction of digital media, our outreach relied on traditional methods such as newspaper ads and postcards. Many people relied on newspapers to stay informed about local and global events, making it a vital platform for communicating service offerings. Postcards also played a significant role, allowing us to reach a wide audience while using more colourful imagery and direct messaging.

This postcard from the 1920s to 1930s shows our early years when the company was known as Quinton Dye Works Limited. It features our first plant located at Jessie and Daly Street, with pricing for our dry-cleaning services displayed on the reverse side. This postcard is a fascinating example of our transition from offering dye-work services—popular at the time for revitalizing wardrobes—to specializing in dry-cleaning during the Roaring Twenties, when fur coats became a wardrobe staple requiring specialized care.

This1934 newspaper advertisement utilized the slogan “Quintonizing” to highlight the high level of cleanliness we offered for attire. During the 1930s, our focus continued to be on providing dry-cleaning services for households.

The Image: The Iconic Owl And Slogan

A prominent symbol in many of our past advertisements was the owl. The owl was chosen for its local representation and symbolism. As a familiar sight throughout Manitoba, it reflected our pride in local roots and our commitment to serving the entire province. Owls are also known for their keen vision, which aligned with our focus on spotting and addressing dust, dirt, and stains on garments. Moreover, owls symbolize wisdom and discretion, mirroring our dedication to expert garment care while working behind the scenes to enhance our customers’ images.

In addition to the owl, we employed several memorable slogans over the decades. From the 1920s to 1930s, the slogan “Come Clean with Us and We’ll Dye for You” was used to communicate our dry cleaning and garment dyeing services.

Another notable slogan was “Be Wise, Quintonize,” which was often used alongside the owl imagery. This slogan conveyed the message that working with us was a smart choice, highlighting our commitment to providing exceptional service and cleanliness.

The Fleet: The Original Brand Rep

Service vehicles have always been crucial to our operations, facilitating convenient pick-ups and deliveries. They also functioned as mobile advertisements, prominently displaying our company logo and enhancing brand visibility.

The image shows our fleet from 1915, featuring an 'open-air' vehicle. By the 1920s, we upgraded to Ford 1917 T trucks and 1919 Model T centre door sedans, reflecting advancements in vehicle design and our growing service capabilities. Today, our trucks are wrapped in vibrant blue, providing a distinctive appearance as they navigate the lower half of the province.

The Promos: Colouring Cards To Calendars

Over the years, Quintex has distributed various promotional materials to customers to show gratitude or add an element of surprise.

In the 1950s and 60s, during a period of significant suburban growth and the rise of two-car families, we opened drive-in dry-cleaning outlets. To encourage frequent visits, we introduced coupon pads that could be used at multiple locations, including the drive-in outlets.

During the 1960s and 70s, amidst the baby boom era, we included colouring cards as backings for dress shirts. These cards, created with unique rhymes and images, were designed to engage children, and by extension, their parents, creating a positive experience. At the time, marketing strategies were more lenient, allowing for such creative approaches.

By 1965, we began offering calendars to customers, often depicting specific themes for the year. These calendars not only provided daily utility but also served as a medium to communicate our unique offerings and share more about our team.

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With over a century of history, it is fascinating to explore the evolution of our business through past marketing materials. These mementos not only reflect our company's journey but also provide a glimpse into the trends and values that shaped each era. As we continue to grow and adapt, we cherish our rich heritage and how it has shaped what our company is today. To discover more about our company’s history and stay updated on our latest developments, feel free to follow us on our social media platforms.