The Decline of the Laundromat
While the classic laundromat has been a common American staple for decades, they are now in recession. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of laundry facilities has declined by nearly 20% since 2005.
Why is this happening and what could it mean for your business?
Let’s discuss why laundromats are disappearing in large numbers and how, as a business owner, you can find alternate ways to ensure clean linens and uniforms for your customers and employees.
U.S. Cities Are Changing
Many big, dense cities are experiencing sudden influxes of wealth. Developers are taking advantage of these urban cities by constructing apartment complexes for young, wealthy workers who want to rent.
These apartments are typically fitted with washers and dryers in them. It’s a perk that renters are looking for, and it eliminates the need to use the local laundromat.
These days, a laundromat’s future earnings are slim in comparison to the value of the land that it sits on.
Laundromats Are Expensive to Use
The average American family does 8-10 loads of laundry each week. According to research done by The Simple Dollar, the average load of laundry done at home costs about $.97 whereas the average load done at a laundromat costs about $3.00.
If you have a large family or a business, the price of using a laundromat can add up quickly. Additionally, laundromats’ margins are thinning and their profits are dwindling. This leads to increased prices to do your laundry.
Laundromats Are Inconvenient
People use laundromats out of necessity, but they aren’t very convenient. If you’re a busy business owner, you probably don’t want to spend valuable time hauling large loads of laundry to and from a laundromat, waiting for the cycle to finish, and then sorting and folding the laundry yourself.
When running a business you want to focus on what matters the most – your customers and the products and services that you’re selling, not your laundry.
What Can Your Business Do?
As laundromats decline, people and business owners are looking for better ways to get their laundry done. Convenience and price are important factors in finding new, better ways to get laundry done efficiently.
If you have a business that relies on a laundromat for its laundering needs, consider making the switch to a commercial laundry service. There are many benefits to utilizing a commercial laundry service.
A laundry service will pick up your dirty linens and uniforms, wash them, dry them, and deliver them back to you on a schedule that works for your business. They are more convenient and cost-effective in comparison to laundromats.
Choosing the Best Laundry Service
There are many different laundry services to choose from. How do you know you’re picking the one best suited for your business’s needs? Get a consultation with the linen, uniform, and commercial laundry experts – Linen Finder.
Our experts are ready to answer your questions and get you connected with the best providers in your area. Call us today at 888-770-2489, or submit your queries via email.