Richmond’s personal and professional services sector continues to thrive. Much of its vigorous service activity takes place along a revitalized 23rd street—beneficiary of the 23rd Street Streetscape Project collaboration between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Community Redevelopment Agency. This area is home to a variety of Latino retail establishments offering an authentic Latin cultural experience in the heart of the community. Richmond’s Macdonald Avenue has also sprung to life in recent years, with new shops, cafés and restaurants, and residential spaces that make an attractive environment for businesses. Nearby, the Macdonald 80 Shopping Center features brand-name businesses like Target, Wells Fargo Bank, Panda Express, Radio Shack, Game Stop, and Payless ShoeSource.

The city’s robust service economy already includes some high-profile businesses. For example, the first Magic Johnson Signature Sports Club—a joint venture between Magic Johnson and 24 Hour Fitness—opened in Richmond. And Richmond-based Hartmann Studios provides event planning, design, and production services for large companies such as Oracle, Symantec, and Pixar.

Though these kinds of success stories make headlines, there is plenty of activity in more routine service categories such as finance, law, real estate, and the trades—plumbing, electrical, and residential and commercial construction. And many service organizations such as Kaiser Permanente Hospital and Mechanics Bank have been a presence in Richmond for more than two generations.

As more and more businesses discover that there is ample commercial space available in Richmond—and vacant land to be developed—the demand for real estate services in particular will grow. With over 60 percent of its population between the ages of 18 and 64, Richmond has a large appetite for services of all descriptions.

Bob’s Cleaners—located along Richmond’s rejuvenated 23rd Street—is a Contra Costa County certified “green” clothes cleaner. Unlike traditional dry cleaners, Bob’s uses an environmentally friendly process called professional wet cleaning, which eliminates the use of solvents. To reduce waste, we also return cleaned garments in reusable garment bags.

Bob’s Cleaners received Greenopia’s 2008–09 Distinguished Business Award. On Earth Day 2007, Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin recognized Bob’s Cleaners as a green business. We plan to continue providing high-quality, affordable and environmentally responsible services for years to come!

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