The Laundromat Industry
The Laundromat Industry Is Changing
Laundromats serve an essential need in every economy. See what’s changing in the industry and why we believe the opportunity has never been stronger.
The Foundation
Clean Clothes Are a Necessity, Not a Nice-to-Have.
Like food and shelter, clean clothes are a basic necessity of life. Laundromats provide an essential health service for millions of Americans every single day — and that demand doesn’t disappear when the economy slows.
That’s not just stability — that’s a structural tailwind. And it’s why smart investors are paying close attention to this space right now.
Laundromats perform particularly well in renter-occupied, densely populated areas — exactly the kinds of neighborhoods that are growing across the country. As rental housing expands and population density increases, so does the built-in customer base for a well-run laundromat.
AN Essential Business
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security designated laundromats as critical infrastructure — one of a handful of businesses that simply could not close.
That designation didn’t happen by accident. Thanks to the Coin Laundry Association’s advocacy, laundromats have been deemed essential businesses. And, in doing do, laundromats have secured sales tax exemptions in 42 states and pushed back regulatory mandates that would have driven up operating costs across the industry.
LAUNDROMAT INDUSTRY TRENDS
The Winds Are Shifting.
We’re Built to Catch Them.
Years of hands-on laundry experience have taught us how to tell a real tailwind from a passing trend. Here’s what we’re seeing — and why we’re genuinely excited about where this industry is headed.
Quality Now Beats Proximity
Old laundry wisdom said customers came from a 1-mile radius. Not anymore — today’s customers will drive 3 to 5 miles past a bad laundromat to reach a good one.
A Community Business Not Just a Utility
Laundromats are becoming neighborhood hubs, not just rooms full of machines. Owners who compete on service, promotions, and community — not just square footage — are the ones winning demand.
Full-Service Is Becoming the Default
Wash-dry-fold, commercial accounts, and pickup & delivery are turning laundromats into full-service laundry centers with multiple revenue streams, not single-purpose utility rooms.
Payment Technology Is De-Risking Scale
Digital payments mean owners no longer worry about cash walking out the door — a real unlock for operators ready to grow beyond one location.
Machines Are Getting Smarter
Modern washers and dryers use less water, run more efficiently, and come with touchscreens that make upselling merchandise and services easier than ever.
New Competitors Are Entering the Delivery Space
Software platforms and peer-to-peer marketplaces are moving into laundry the way they did food and grocery delivery. The done-for-you economy has arrived — and laundry is next.
THE MODERN LAUNDROMAT OPPORTUNITY
The “Zombiemat” Problem Is a Real Opportunity.
The laundry industry has a dirty secret: there is an increasing number of laundromats operating today are what we call “Zombiemats” — uninvested, unattended, and unloved. They survive on inertia, not excellence. That’s exactly the gap LaundroLab was built to fill.
| What Matters to Customers | The Traditional “Zombiemat” | LaundroLab |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness & Amenities | ✗Dim, dated, and neglected — often with broken machines and no seating | ✓Bright, spotless stores with comfortable lounges, folding stations, and a welcoming atmosphere |
| Community Involvement | ✗Transactional at best — no connection to the neighborhood or its people | ✓LaundryCares Foundation, Free Laundry Day, and local events that make each store a true community anchor |
| Full-Service Options | ✗Quarters in, clothes out — that’s where the service ends | ✓Professional wash-dry-fold, drop-off service, and access to pickup & delivery — all under one roof |
| Kid-Friendly Environment | ✗No consideration for families. Making laundry day harder than it has to be | ✓Dedicated kids’ spaces designed so families actually enjoy their visit |
| Tech-Driven Experience | ✗Cash-only machines, no loyalty programs, no app, no monitoring | ✓Proprietary LaundryPay technology, app-based loyalty, machine monitoring, and real-time reporting for owners |
| Fast, Efficient Machines | ✗Aging equipment that takes 90+ minutes and still doesn’t get clothes fully clean or dry | ✓State-of-the-art Electrolux high-spin machines that complete a full cycle in under an hour — every time |
LAUNDRY PICKUP & DELIVERY
Pickup & Delivery: Changing the Legacy Laundromat Income Statement.
A great laundromat is a good business. A great laundromat with a thriving pickup and delivery operation is a great one. Through our exclusive Delivery Account Program, LaundroLab franchise owners gain access to everything they need to build a robust, revenue-generating delivery business alongside their store. This isn’t a bolt-on feature — it’s a fully engineered revenue channel backed by years of operational experience running delivery at scale across multiple markets. We built the infrastructure so you don’t have to.
Full-Funnel Marketing Engine
A complete suite of marketing services — digital, paid social, connected TV, and local tactics — designed to drive demand from awareness all the way through to loyal, repeat delivery customers.
Proprietary Technology Stack
A complete suite of marketing services — digital, paid social, connected TV, and local tactics — designed to drive demand from awareness all the way through to loyal, repeat delivery customers.
Centralized Call & Support Center
A complete suite of marketing services — digital, paid social, connected TV, and local tactics — designed to drive demand from awareness all the way through to loyal, repeat delivery customers.
Hands-On Coaching & Training
From driver onboarding and route optimization to customer retention strategy, we provide the coaching to help you build a delivery business that adds real, consistent income from day one.
Proud Member
Coin Laundry
Association
Industry Partnership
We’re Proud Members of the Coin Laundry Association.
LaundroLab is a proud member of the Coin Laundry Association — the laundry industry’s national trade organization. The CLA has been the authoritative voice for laundromat operators for decades, providing research, advocacy, education, and community to operators across the country.
Let’s Build Your Laundromat Business — Together
LaundroLab is helping franchisees build essential, commnuity-driven laundry businesses built to deliver the future of modern laundry.