CHICAGO — The calendar flips to 2025 tomorrow, but before it does, American Coin-Op is reflecting on its top 10 stories (based on page views) posted here on AmericanCoinOp.com during the year.
Following are the top five most-read American Coin-Op articles for 2024, starting with No. 5:
5. Alliance Laundry Systems Acquires Star Distributing
In July, Alliance acquired the distribution assets of Tennessee-based Star Distributing, as well as its Parts King business. Alliance said President Michael Davis had been a “leader in the laundromat business” for decades, and his company had a strong reputation for developing “great-looking, well-run” stores. Star Distributing became part of the Alliance Laundry Systems Distribution South Region, maintaining its Nashville office.
4. Tide Laundromat Footprint Grows with Expansion Deal
Late in the year, Tide Services, franchisor for the Tide Laundromat and Tide Cleaners brands, signed what it called a “landmark” 51-unit Tide Laundromat franchise deal with Barry Dubin, a veteran multi-unit franchise executive.
In conjunction, Dubin partnered with laundromat industry veterans Tony Kahan, Richie Kahan and Tim Daugherty to be the executive team for the newly created US Laundry LLC.
Tide Services says the agreement underscores its bold expansion strategy, building on Dubin’s proven track record of growth and acquisitions.
3. Strategic Hires Propel Tide Expansion
Tide Services reported it had bolstered its franchise development team through new hires, strengthening its leadership and supporting its goal of becoming the top provider of on-demand laundry services.
The hires included Lawrence Brown, senior vice president, franchising & development; Ryan Stuckenberg, director of construction; and Emilie DeBonadonna, director of real estate. The trio have become pivotal to the brand’s growth strategy, Tide says, explaining that their efforts in converting existing drycleaner locations and planning the opening of hundreds of new Tide Laundromat and Tide Cleaners sites over the next two years are accelerating the company’s expansion.
2. P&G Recalls 8.2M Bags of Laundry Detergent Packets
In April, Procter & Gamble (P&G) voluntarily recalled about 8.2 million bags of liquid laundry detergent packets distributed in the United States, according to the company and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. The recall applied to certain lot codes of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods and Ariel Pods packaged in flexible firm bags that were manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024.
Consumers were instructed to immediately secure the recalled bags out of sight and reach of children and contact P&G for a full refund and a free replacement child-resistant bag to store the product.
1. Court Blocks Beneficial Ownership Filing Requirements
A court ruling late in the year blocked the U.S. Department of Treasury from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements.
Many small businesses would have been required to report by Jan. 1, 2025, basic information to the federal government about the real people who ultimately own or control them. However, a preliminary injunction issued by a Texas judge in a lawsuit brought by the National Federation of Independent Business stops enforcement for now.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
