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Undergo a Laundry-Lift (Part 2)

Transform, revitalize store with these remodeling tips

CHICAGO — Melissa H. Kuskin, owner of Around the Clock Laundry, Harrisburg, Pa., works according to her Laundromat’s name.

“I’m there every day, anywhere from two to four hours,” says Kuskin. “I answer all my phone calls. If there’s any kind of an emergency, any kind of issue—[with the] changers, floors [are] wet, something didn’t function properly—I’m hands-on all the time.”

“The store gets cleaned from top to bottom every single day, the same routine,” she adds.

In addition to tending to her day-to-day responsibilities, Kuskin—who has 24 years of experience in the coin laundry industry—also stays on top of one other aspect of her store: its overall look.

“I’m always thinking of things to do and ways to improve the appearance,” she says.

“When it’s actually time to make upgrades, I already have ideas.”

Before undertaking any type of remodeling project, what considerations are there to be made?

Is it the right time to replace equipment? Should you go with a pop of color on the walls, or play it safe with neutrals? Will replacing the vinyl tiles be a worthwhile investment?

American Coin-Op reached out to several experts in the industry for tips and best practices on how to transform and revitalize the look of their coin laundry when undergoing a “laundry-lift.”

AN EYE FOR DESIGN

Tony Regan, senior vice president of sales and marketing, American Dryer Corp., advises that beside consulting with a local distributor, store owners should “engage someone with design capabilities” when planning or executing a remodeling project.

“For aesthetic remodeling [projects], a store owner can reach out to a local contractor to assist with painting, flooring, lighting improvements, etc.,” says Chris Brick, regional sales manager, Maytag Commercial Laundry.

From a store owner perspective, Kuskin explains that she pulls inspiration from industry publications, as well as various references.

“I use many resources, from visiting other Laundromats out of my area to see new ideas, to checking out fashion magazines, which can always give an idea, even if it’s from a home setting,” she says.

“You try and make your business a little more homey so that people feel more comfortable, rather than just being the basic bare walls,” adds Kuskin.

THE DIY APPROACH

Through a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, Kuskin has taken on simple design projects at her store.

One such project includes the installation of several wall hangings she made herself, utilizing colorful fabrics stretched over wooden frames.

The wall decorations “helps the Laundromat look bright [and] cheery during the spring and summer,” she explains, adding that she decorates according to other seasons and holidays.

“Then at Christmastime, I cover those frames to look like presents with bows and ribbons. I also add holiday wreaths, poinsettia and anything else that represents the spirit.”

Bringing personalized design elements into the store, in Kuskin’s experience, allows for laundry store owners to connect with their customers.

“When you decorate or when you bring things in, it gives customers things to talk about,” she says. “It kind of gives customers that little bit of personal touch when they see [and] comment about [it].”

When considering interior design elements, it’s important to see your store through a customer’s eyes, Kuskin says.

“Any job I’ve ever had or any business I’ve ever owned, I’ve always considered myself a customer. What would I want as a customer?” she asks.

“Sometimes I’ll even sit in the waiting room and just kind of look around as a customer to see what they see. And I think that’s important. You have to see what they see and put yourself in that position.”

Sterling Phillips, president of Sterling Equipment Sales (SES) Laundry, agrees with this point of view.

He explains that when it comes to current trends in interior design, “it’s not what’s popular, but what sets you apart from the rest.”

“Ask yourself—would you like to do your laundry in your store? What could make it a better experience?” asks Phillips. “Make sure it is comfortable, clean, modern, brightly lit and has a good flow.”

‘BRIGHT, SAFE AND CONVENIENT’

A bright, clean aesthetic is a look that store owners should go for, according to the industry reps interviewed.

“We see a very broad range of design, but the theme seems to be consistent—keep the laundry atmosphere bright, safe and convenient,” says Regan. “A good flow between the washers to the dryers, to the folding areas is also important.”

On the theme of convenience, Brick adds, “More important than lots of furniture is usable counter space and room to move.”

“Patrons need an area to separate and fold their laundry. The space needs to have a flow to it that easily allows customers access to washers and dryers with plenty of room in the aisles for rolling carts.”

One way to convey the aesthetic of a bright, clean laundry—and one other inexpensive DIY project, according to the experts—is through applying a fresh coat of paint.

“Bright colors that grab attention and help liven up a space certainly are go-to’s when it comes to trends in paint,” says Brick.

“Painting can make a tremendous difference, and it’s cheap,” says Kuskin.

“I am a firm believer in choosing colors that are pleasing to the eye,” she adds. “If you chose bold colors for your walls, then try to tone it down with neutrals in your furnishings.”

Kuskin adds that painting projects can be an easy fix to help maintain a bright and clean aesthetic.

“It’s a good touch-up [when] a customer bumps the wall with one of the carts, or [if] you’re having equipment brought in and the wall got damaged during the bringing in or taking out of old equipment,” she says. “It’s cheap, it’s easy, and you can do it yourself.”

In addition to updating both indoor and outdoor signage, another “key element” is lighting, according to Brick.

“Patrons are more likely to visit a place [where] they feel safe,” he says. “With all of the lighting options on the market today, including energy-efficient solutions, store owners select from a wide variety of lighting that adds to the look and feel of the store and eliminates dimly lit areas.”

Miss Part 1 of this story? You can read it now HERE.

Check back Monday for the conclusion!

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Melissa H. Kuskin, owner of Around the Clock Laundry, Harrisburg, Pa., installs simple design elements—like these wall decorations she crafted out of various fabrics and wooden frames—to not only add color to her store, but to also showcase her personality to customers. (Photo: Courtesy of Melissa H. Kuskin)

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Kuskin explains that the wall decorations she’s installed in her store not only make the space “bright and cheery” during the spring and summer, but can also be re-decorated according to other seasons and holidays. (Photo: Courtesy of Melissa H. Kuskin)

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].