CHICAGO — Operators from the West were showered with healthy sales gains last month, up an average of 15% over April 2014—the strongest sales gain among all regions—according to results in this month’s American Coin-Op StatShot survey.
“New commercial construction keeps us busy,” says one Western operator.
“[It’s] still a down economy overall, but the store itself is doing better because now it is attended and clean,” says another.
Store owners and operators from the South (up 8.5%), Midwest (5.4%) and Northeast (3.3%) also saw a boost in year-over-year sales last month.
Attendants in the West are making the most money per hour, according to survey results, as operators there report paying an average of $10.67 per hour.
Northeast attendants are making similar wages, with operators there paying an average of $10.06 per hour.
Operators in the Midwest report paying their attendants an average hourly rate of $9.38, while operators in the South are paying an average of $9.08 per hour.
Market conditions in the Midwest are “fairly good,” according to one operator there, with another saying that conditions are improving.
Despite competition, one Northeast operator says he/she remains unaffected as his/her stores are kept clean, well lit, and have the best prices in the area.
“Market conditions are good,” says another Northeast operator. “Wash-and-fold and dry cleaning [are] increasing.”
Operators from the South are facing various challenges, with one saying, “Business is down. People aren’t spending money.”
“There is a huge road construction project in front of my store that is causing a decrease [in sales],” says another.
The unscientific StatShot survey includes information on sales, wages, costs or other financial data based on survey information provided anonymously by vended laundry store owners.
American Coin-Op audience members are invited via e-mail to participate in the surveys, which are conducted online. All self-service laundry owners/operators are encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define industry trends.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].